Children in Whitley Wood are learning about the joy of reading and improving their literacy skills thanks to storybook sessions run by researchers from the Institute of Education at the University of Reading.
The Whitley Wood Playgroup provides free weekly storytelling and play sessions for families with children aged 0-4 in the Whitley Wood Area. Designed by early literacy experts and teachers, storybook sessions are integrated into the playgroup in order to encourage toddlers to engage with and enjoy story reading.
The sessions involve a children’s storybook being read twice – once at the start, and once at the end. Handa’s Surprise by Eileen Browne, Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry by Michelle Robinson and The Duck Who Didn’t Like Water by Steve Small are among the well-loved stories that have featured in the sessions.
In between the two readings, children can take part in activities that connect to the story. Whether it be through songs, playing with props or getting hands-on with arts and crafts, the activities are designed to extend the theme of the book and show parents how learning opportunities can be taken from reading in creative ways.
Free copies of the book are handed out to each child at the end of the session, so families can read together at home and over a series of weeks, build up a library of their own.
The sessions began in November 2023. Attendance grew rapidly and now as many as 16 families make use of the sessions every week. Friendships have blossomed between both parents and between children.
Research has shown that early shared reading activities strongly predict later literacy and overall academic achievement. Parents reported noticeable improvements in children’s enthusiasm towards books and reading as a result of these sessions.
Partners: Reading Libraries, Whitley Community Centre
Funders: Research England and Friends of Reading