Reading for Pleasure
To develop lifelong reading habits through exposure to rich texts and reading for enjoyment.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Chooses to look at books
- Has favourite books and authors
- Discusses books with enthusiasm
- Handles books with care
Materials
- Well-stocked book corner with diverse texts
- Comfortable reading spaces
- Author and book displays
- Reading journals or response activities
Instructions
Read aloud every day—this is non-negotiable. Choose rich, varied texts that expose children to vocabulary and ideas beyond their current reading level. Let children see your genuine pleasure in stories and language.
Create an irresistible book corner: comfortable seating, good lighting, books displayed face-out, regular updates and seasonal displays. Make it somewhere children actively choose to spend time.
Discuss books deeply. 'Why do you think the bear felt lonely? Have you ever felt like that?' 'What would you do if you were Kipper?' Go beyond comprehension questions to genuine dialogue about ideas and feelings.
Recommend books personally: 'Fatima, I saw this book about butterflies and thought of you because I know how much you love minibeasts!' Match children with books that speak to their interests and experiences.
Celebrate authors and illustrators. 'This book is by Julia Donaldson. She wrote The Gruffalo too! Let's look at what other books she's written.' Help children develop favourites and follow creators they love.
Make time for independent browsing and 'reading'. Children might look at pictures, retell stories from memory, or actually read—all are valid. Value book-handling and story-making alongside decoding.
Send books home and make family reading easy. 'Take this book to share with your grown-ups. Tell them about your favourite page!' Create home-school reading partnerships that extend the pleasure.
Never use reading as a test or chore. If a child finds reading practice tedious, something needs to change—the book, the approach, the timing. Reading must remain joyful if we want children to become lifelong readers.