Nurturing a Love for Reading from the Very Start
At Little Wonders, we believe that a love for reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give to young children. Research shows that early exposure to books and stories is fundamental to language development, creativity, and building a lifelong passion for learning. Our approach to reading in the Early Years is centred on creating joyful, engaging, and language-rich experiences that foster curiosity and confidence.
Why Reading Matters in Early Years
Reading is not only about learning letters and sounds; it’s about opening up new worlds for children to explore. Listening to stories, engaging with picture books, and discussing stories helps children:
- Build vocabulary and communication skills
- Develop listening and concentration abilities
- Understand the structure and rhythm of language
- Expand their imagination and creative thinking
- Build social and emotional skills as they relate to characters and situations
How We Make Reading Engaging and Fun
- Storytime Sessions: Daily group story times introduce children to a range of genres and cultures, broadening their understanding of the world.
- Book Corners: Cozy, inviting book areas filled with colourful, age-appropriate books encourage children to explore stories independently and at their own pace.
- Interactive Storytelling: Puppets, props, and music bring stories to life, helping children to engage with narratives actively and fostering their imagination.
- Phonics Fun: For children ready to explore sounds, our phonics sessions introduce the basics of letter sounds through playful activities, songs, and games.
Building Early Literacy Skills with Families
We understand that a child’s early learning journey is most effective when there is a strong partnership between the nursery and families. By working together, we can create a supportive and enriching environment that enhances each child’s development. To further support this collaboration, we offer the following:
- We provide resources and ideas for parents to make reading a cherished activity at home.
- We host regular “Story Sessions” for parents and children, so families can experience the joy of reading together.
- Our team offers guidance on selecting books that match children’s developmental stages, interests, and reading readiness.
A Foundation for Future Learning
Reading in the Early Years lays the foundation for academic success, but it also nurtures empathy, curiosity, and resilience. At Little Wonders, our goal is to make every child feel excited about books, stories, and the endless possibilities they hold. Together, we can help every child embark on a lifelong journey of learning, one page at a time.