2.5y–4.2y10 minReadingStory timeQuiet time
Pause, Prompt, Praise Reading Support
A flexible 1:1 reading support routine that helps an adult scaffold a child's reading in the moment using brief prompts, picture cues, repeated phrases, and warm feedback.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a picture book (preferably with repeated phrases)
- a calm space for 1:1 reading
Nice to have
- a small pointer (finger, spoon) to track pictures/words
- a blanket or cushion to make a cosy 'reading den'
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch
- MilestoneListens and joins inMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestonePredicts what happens nextMind· 2.8y–3.6y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAnswers questions about a storyMind· 4y–6y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneAnticipates familiar story eventsMind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestonePredicts what happens nextMind· 3y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAnswers story questionsMind· 2.1y–3.1y· core
- MilestoneIdentifies characters and eventsMind· 3.8y–4.6y· core
- MilestoneBeginning to be aware of the way stories are structured.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneStays focused during activityMind· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Listens to and joins in with stories and poems, one-to-one and also in small groups.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and phrases in rhymes and stories.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to be aware of the way stories are structured.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Support and scaffold individual children’s reading as opportunities arise.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)