So far in our blog series, we’ve explored supporting the three prime areas of learning, as outlined in the EYFS: Personal, Social, And Emotional Development, Communication And Language and Physical Development.
Today we will begin our journey into the ‘specific’ areas of learning: literacy, maths, understanding the world and expressive arts and design.
This week we will be exploring Literacy!
Let’s jump straight into our guide to supporting development at home: literacy.
Literacy within the EYFS focuses specifically on language comprehension, reading and writing. It’s a vital skill which enables children to express themselves, understand the world and develop confidence in communication.
Supporting literacy development at home helps to build a strong foundation for future learning, making reading, writing, and language a fun and engaging part of everyday life.
Why Literacy Matters
Literacy isn’t just about reading and writing—it’s about communication, imagination, and understanding.
Developing literacy skills from an early age enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and social skills, giving children the tools they need to express themselves confidently.
Literacy development begins long before a child can read or write independently.
From listening to bedtime stories to recognising familiar letters and sounds, early experiences with language play a crucial role in building future skills.
How We Support Literacy in Nursery
At The Butterfly Patch, we integrate literacy into daily activities through:
Storytelling and Reading Time: We encourage a love for books by making storytime interactive, using props, voices, and questions to engage children in stories.
Mark-Making and Writing Activities: From drawing shapes in sand to tracing letters with fingers, we provide opportunities to develop early writing skills.
Phonics and Sound Play: Recognising sounds and rhythms through songs, rhymes, and games helps children build phonemic awareness.
Role Play and Conversations: Encouraging children to talk, act out stories, and ask questions fosters their ability to communicate and structure language.
Practical Ways to Support Literacy at Home
Parents play a vital role in nurturing literacy skills outside of the nursery environment. Here are some simple and effective ways to incorporate literacy into everyday life:
Read Together Regularly: Share books with your child as part of your routine, pointing to words as you read and discussing the story to build comprehension. It’s also a lovely opportunity for one on one bonding time. Click here for some of our favourite storybooks.
Make Reading Fun: Use different voices for characters, act out scenes, or choose books with textures and flaps to make reading more interactive.
Encourage Mark-Making: Provide crayons, pencils, and paper to encourage scribbling, drawing, and early writing. Click here for inspiration.
Sing Songs and Rhymes: Nursery rhymes and singalongs help with language development, memory, and rhythm recognition. Click here for our all you need to know guide to nursery rhymes.
Talk and Ask Questions: Engaging your little one in conversations about their day, their interests, or the books you read together strengthens vocabulary and communication skills.
Label the Environment: Label objects around the house to help children connect words with items, enhancing word recognition.
If you’re concerned
If you have any concerns about your little one’s development please speak to your key person, nursery manager or health visitor.
They will be able to discuss any worries you have and, if necessary, come up with a plan to help your little one’s development both in and outside of the nursery.
Building a Love for Literacy
Making literacy fun and accessible at home lays the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning.
By incorporating books, writing, and communication into daily activities, parents can help children develop confidence in their literacy skills.
Every conversation, story, and shared reading experience plays a part in shaping their development.
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