Interactive Story Sharing
To develop early book handling skills and enjoyment of stories through one-to-one sharing.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Communication & Language
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Shows interest in books and pictures
- Points to familiar images
- Turns pages with support
- Responds to sounds in stories
Materials
- Board books with bold images
- Comfortable reading corner
- Puppets or props related to stories
Instructions
Select two or three high-quality board books with clear, uncluttered images and simple text. 'Dear Zoo', the 'That's Not My...' series, or 'Peepo!' are perfect choices. Have any matching props ready nearby.
Find a quiet, comfortable space and settle the baby on your lap or beside you so they can see both the book and your face. Check the lighting is good and choose a moment when the baby is alert and content rather than tired or hungry.
Before opening the book, show the cover and build anticipation: 'Look! A book! This one is about animals. Shall we look inside?' Point to the cover picture and name what you see.
You don't need to read every word—follow the baby's gaze and interest. If they're fascinated by the dog picture, stay there: 'You're looking at the dog! Woof woof! The dog has a waggy tail.' Let the baby set the pace entirely.
Make the experience multi-sensory by using different voices for characters and making animal sounds enthusiastically. If the book has textures, guide the baby's hand to feel them: 'This one is fuzzy! Feel it. Fuzzy like a teddy bear.'
Invite the baby to help turn pages, offering support as needed. Ask 'What's on the next page?' even though they can't answer—you're modelling the structure of conversation. When they pat or point at pictures, respond warmly: 'Yes! That's the cat!'
Allow babies to mouth and explore the book—this is how they learn at this age. Board books are designed for exactly this kind of handling. You might say 'You're tasting the book! Books are for reading and looking' rather than immediately removing it.
When the baby loses interest—looking away, wriggling—close the book gently: 'All finished. We read about the farm. We saw pigs and cows and sheep. Thank you for reading with me.' This models story endings and shows appreciation for their company.