Reading
Reading in Early Years
Reading consists of two dimensions: language comprehension and word reading. Language comprehension (necessary for both reading and writing) starts from birth. It only develops when adults talk with children about the world around them and the books (stories and non-fiction) they read with them, enjoyment of rhymes, poems and songs shared together. Reading skills enable pupils to make a connection to their immediate environment and the wider world. These skills can be transferred to other areas of learning for example practising directed eye movements to scan pictures relates to scanning a plate of food and choosing what to eat next. Many emergent skills can develop to reading skills such as sensory activities, looking to and fro, passing things from hand to hand, visual following and enjoyment from storytelling. Reading activities will develop anticipation, engagement and choice-making skills. The Early Years’ environment and planning incorporates a variety of reading and language activities and resources to encourage the development of the early stages of language and reading comprehension. The table below demonstrates some examples.
Activity |
Outcomes/Experiences |
Cross Curricula links |
Resources Examples |
|
Sensory Story ICT focused activities Therapies Sensory mark making Pre-writing Tac Pac Role play area Dressing up Sensory room Cooking Language/speech development -Pecs, objects of reference, Makaton. Music –Musical communication, Music and movement, music therapy. Play -structured and unstructured, indoor/outdoor Parachute/circle games Phonics, Song & Rhyme Adult led activities- welcome, time, creative, lunch/snack time, 1:1 personal care time |
A sense of fun and personal satisfaction Self esteem Choice making Turn taking Team work Making a positive contribution A sense of own feelings and emotions – likes and dislikes Appropriate behaviour Personal safety Fine and gross motor skills
|
Communicative and ICT Development Numeracy Development Literacy Development Personal Social and Emotional Development Physical Motor and Sensory Development Knowledge and Understanding Development Creative Development
|
Environmental signs PECs Story sacks Sensory/interactive stories ICT - Plasma screen, Switch it maker, Helpkidzlearn, switches. Library/Big Books Sensory room Speech and Language activities- AE, play and talk boxes, Identiplay Dressing up and role play props/areas. Music- song time Music and movement Messy play – sensory mark making TAC PAC – Pre – reading Mirrors Cause and effect toys |
