In the vibrant world of early childhood education, books and stories are the cornerstone of learning and development.
As professionals dedicated to nurturing young minds, it's essential to recognize the profound impact these tools have on children's growth.
According to the EYFS framework, storytelling plays a pivotal role in fostering children's communication and language development, as well as their personal, social, and emotional development. Stories provide a rich context for exploring diverse experiences and perspectives, helping children make sense of the world around them. By engaging with stories, children develop crucial listening skills, vocabulary, and comprehension abilities, laying a solid foundation for future literacy skills.
So when is the best time to start reading with the children?
Reading with children, even before they fully grasp the concept of a book, lays the groundwork for a lifelong love of reading and learning. From the earliest days of infancy, sharing books with babies and toddlers fosters bonding between adults and children, promoting attachment and security. Moreover, exposure to language through reading helps infants develop pre-literacy skills such as phonemic awareness and vocabulary acquisition. Additionally, the sensory experience of holding, exploring, and interacting with books stimulates cognitive development and fine motor skills.
By instilling a positive association with books from an early age, we set the stage for future literacy success and a lifelong appreciation for the written word.
It’s not just reading the written word that has bennefits either…
In line with the EYFS principle of enabling environments, storytelling from memory with props creates immersive learning experiences that captivate young learners. By incorporating props such as puppets, costumes, and sensory objects, educators bring stories to life in a multisensory way, enhancing children's engagement and understanding. This approach promotes active participation, encourages imaginative play, and fosters creativity, all while aligning with the EYFS goal of promoting creativity and critical thinking.
Are you wanting to engage your little ones in a fun and imaginative way…. Storytelling may well be the answer!
Making up stories on the spot not only nurtures children's creativity but also supports their expressive language development, a key aspect of the EYFS communication and language area of learning. By tailoring stories to children's interests and experiences, educators empower them to become active participants in the storytelling process.
This collaborative approach promotes a sense of agency and self-confidence, aligning with the EYFS principle of supporting children's personal, social, and emotional well-being.
So what’s best way to go… physical or digital books?
While digital resources have their place in modern education, physical books offer unique benefits that support children's holistic development, in line with the EYFS framework's emphasis on providing experiences that promote a child's physical development and health. The tactile nature of physical books engages children's senses and fine motor skills as they turn pages, feel textures, and explore illustrations. Additionally, sharing physical books promotes social interaction and bonding between children and adults, supporting the EYFS goal of fostering positive relationships.
In the journey of early childhood education, books and stories serve as powerful allies, guiding children on a path of discovery, imagination, and growth. By embracing storytelling from memory with props, making up stories, and prioritizing physical books over digital ones, early years professionals honor the principles of the EYFS framework while nurturing the unique potential of every child.
Together, let us continue to champion the transformative power of books and stories in shaping the future generation!