EARLY YEARS BLOG
The summer holidays are here and for those of you joining Farringtons Early Years Department in September, it is an exciting time! We know you’re eager to prepare your little ones for their new adventure, and what better way to do that than by diving into some fantastic books.
Reading with your child is not just about learning their ABCs; it is a wonderful opportunity to bond, spark their imagination and create lasting memories. The stories you share now will lay the foundation for a lifelong love of reading and learning.
Make Reading an Adventure
Why not make a day of it? A trip to your local library is a fantastic outing for young children. They will love exploring the shelves, discovering new characters, and choosing their own stories. Plus, it is a great way to introduce them to a quiet, inspiring environment that’s all about books!
Our Top Summer Reading Picks for Early Years
To help you get started, we bhave put together a list of some of our favourite books that are perfect for little hands and curious minds. These stories are not only engaging but also help develop key early literacy skills.
Age 3 – 4 recommend reads:
- Elmer
- Oi Frog
- The Rainbow Fish
- Tanka Tanka Skunk
- Giraffes Can’t Dance
- Dear Zoo
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See?
- Kitchen Disco
- Ruby’s Worry
Age 4 – 5 recommended reads:
- Clean Up
- Peace at Last
- Handa’s Surprise
- Owl Babies
- Look Up
- On the Way Home
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
- Mr Grumpy’s Outing
- Rosie’sWalk
Beyond the Bookshelf
Reading does not have to be limited to story time before bed. Here are a few ways to weave reading into your summer days:
- Story sacks: After reading a book, gather some props related to the story and act it out together
- Rhyme time: Sing nursery rhymes and action songs. This helps develop phonological awareness, a crucial pre-reading skill
- Everyday reading: Point out words on signs, labels, and packaging. Show them that words are all around us
- Tell your own stories: Encourage your child to make up their own stories, either by drawing pictures or just by talking
We cannot wait to welcome you and your children to Farringtons Early Years Department in September. Until then, happy reading and enjoy your summer adventures!
