Big Book Together
To develop shared attention and early print awareness through large-format book sharing.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Shares attention with others
- Points to pictures
- Shows interest in turning pages
- Anticipates story moments
Materials
- Large-format picture books
- Books with simple text
- Books with repetitive phrases
- Comfortable group reading space
Instructions
Choose books with large, clear, bold illustrations: Eric Carle books are ideal. Sit the babies where everyone can see the pages — in front of you on the floor, or propped on low cushions. The key is shared attention.
Point deliberately to the picture and name it before reading any text: 'LOOK at that! A caterpillar. Such a tiny caterpillar!' This draws all eyes to the same point, practising shared attention.
Read text slowly and expressively, pointing to words as you read when possible. You're not teaching print concepts yet — but you're showing that the writing on the page is doing something.
Pause at exciting moments and look expectant before turning the page: 'I wonder what happens next? Let's see...' This pause is where anticipation lives, and it's a crucial early story comprehension experience.
Allow babies to reach for and touch the book — redirect them gently when this disrupts the group. 'Let's look at it first, then you can touch.'
After reading, revisit favourite pages: 'Where's the caterpillar? Can you point to him?' This simple interaction introduces the concept of finding information in a book — the most basic form of reading comprehension.