2.5y–4.2y15 minReadingMusicFamily time
Poem, Song, Story, Facts Sampler
A short 'book tasting' session sampling simple poetry, songs, fiction, and non-fiction to broaden reading experiences, support rhythm and joining-in, and build early awareness of story structure and information texts.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one simple poem or rhyme book/page (or a printed nursery rhyme)
- one song book/page (or lyrics you know by heart)
- one fiction picture book
- one non-fiction picture book (or an information leaflet with photos)
Nice to have
- a small drum/shaker substitute (a saucepan + spoon, or a sealed container with rice)
- a blanket or cushion to make a 'book tasting' spot
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneListens and joins inMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core
- MilestoneAttends to book contentMind· 18mo–2.6y· core· Step 1
- MilestonePredicts what happens nextMind· 2.8y–3.6y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAnswers story questionsMind· 2.1y–3.1y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch
- MilestoneProduces a simple rhythmMind· 2.8y–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneIdentifies characters and eventsMind· 3.8y–4.6y· stretch
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide some simple poetry, song, fiction and non-fiction books.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)