Baby Book Sharing
To develop early book handling skills and enjoyment of stories through shared reading.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Shows interest in books
- Handles books appropriately
- Points to pictures
- Turns pages with support
Materials
- High-contrast board books
- Fabric and tactile books
- Cosy reading corner
- Book basket at baby level
Instructions
Set up a cosy reading nook with soft cushions, good lighting, and books displayed with covers facing outward at baby's level. Include a mix of high-contrast black and white books for young babies, tactile books with different textures, and simple picture books with bold images.
Choose moments when the baby is alert, fed and content—after a nap or mid-morning often works well. Avoid times when they're tired, hungry or overstimulated, as you want reading to be associated with pleasure rather than struggle.
Hold the baby on your lap facing the book, or sit them beside you propped with cushions. Position the book about twenty to thirty centimetres from their face—close enough for them to focus. Make sure they can see both the pictures and your face, as your expressions are part of the story.
Use a warm, gentle voice and vary your pitch and rhythm naturally. You don't need to read every word—instead, point to pictures and name them: 'Look! A duck. Quack quack! The duck is yellow.' Make animal sounds and action noises with genuine enthusiasm.
Watch where the baby looks and follow their lead. If they're gazing at the cat picture, stay there: 'You love the cat! Miaow! The cat is sleeping. Soft kitty.' Let their interest guide the reading rather than rushing through pages to 'finish' the book.
Encourage interaction as they develop. Help them touch textured parts: 'Feel the bunny's tail. Soft and fluffy!' Guide their hand to pat the page. As they grow, encourage pointing: 'Where's the dog? Can you show me?' Celebrate when they point or pat pictures.
Babies will want to chew, bang and drop books—this is completely normal exploration! Say 'You're tasting the book! Books are yummy to read but not to eat' with good humour. Board books are designed for exactly this kind of handling.
Keep sessions to three to five minutes—end before the baby loses interest so books remain associated with pleasure. Say 'All finished reading! We saw a duck and a cat and a dog. Lovely story time!' This establishes a gentle rhythm to your reading ritual.