Page 10: My favourite EYFS books

 Page 10: My favourite EYFS literature ....

So it has been inevitably a while. I've been attempting to juggle the many challenges faced trying to complete a teaching degree during a pandemic and at times I can admit I have not juggled so too well.

I was due to start my BA2 placement in 2 days (18th Jan 2021)! This was something that I was extremely excited (and still am) about; I was finally going to get some routine into my life, I was finally going to get to teach again and finally get to complete what I find the most enjoyable and rewarding few months of my year. As a result of being placed in our third lockdown causing all primary and secondary schools to shut (hub provision is still provided for vulnerable and key worker children), it meant placement had to been postponed.

My placement is in EYFS. I am thrilled to be placed in this key stage as this is an area I have the least prior experience in so I am eager to get learning. My placement will take place in either nursery or reception. In preparation, I decided to dig through my old book box and pick out some of my favourite books from when I was little that I can't wait to share my passion and memories from with my class.

There are so many fabulous children's books and I cannot wait to discover more throughout my career, but these are 5 of my fondest from my childhood that i'd love to use in the classroom! (As you can see from some of the pictures these books were much adored between my sister and I).

1. We're going on a bear hunt - Micheal Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.

This is a classic. A lovely story with simple vocabulary supported by breathtaking illustrations. This simple story tells a families adventure. This is perfect for classroom use in this setting as not only supporting phonics and early reading, but also to boost engagement and enjoyment of reading. The repetitive structure of this book, helps pupils identify patterns which is key to language learning and writing development. There is spectacular use of onomatopoeias making this a versatile book to use with a class as you can also focus on early speech.  

2. Funny Bones - Janet and Allen Ahlberg.

I cannot describe this book as anything but jolly. When I think about this book it makes me smile. It sparks joy telling the story of a family of skeletons and their night adventures. Similarly to the advantages above, the use of rhyme and repeating phrases is fabulous for encouraging class involvement and the use of talk. The light hearted story is a great talking point and can resultantly stem many lessons and activities such as telling their own 'fun stories'. I also will point out, the use of speech is excellent and a great model for pupils when recognising a range of characters. 

3. The Jolly Postman and Other People's Letters - Janet and Allen Ahlberg.

Written by Janet and Allen Ahlberg again, it indicated how much influence and enjoyment their books gave to me. This one is a little different as stories are told within the story. Although much of the language is quite challenging to use in lessons in EYFS this is a great book just to share for enjoyment. It is interactive where you can pull out and share all 'letters' and with them being based on classic fairytales  such as Cinderella and Goldilocks, many of the children will already have a hook to get engaged with the stories.

As a side note: for my BA1 online placement portfolio I produced a whole Year two 5 lesson module based upon this story. It shows the versatility of children's literature and how it can be adapted across all key stages. (I am more than happy to share some of these ideas if wanted). 

4. Commotion in the Ocean - Giles Andrae and David Wojtowych

Described as "Fast moving and great to read aloud" by the Independent, this is a colourful collection of poems (which is a sequel to Rumble in the Jungle which I think is also exceptional!) With poems about crabs to turtles to polar bears, this book can either be read as single sections (perhaps when having 5 minutes to fill) as well as a whole when looking for something when you want to encourage whole class participation. This book can shape lots of class discussion about the animal's in addition to the language used. This is for sure one I am excited to use as in hand with the incredible illustrations this is ideal for sharing your passion for literature with the class.

5. Handa's Surprise - Eileen Browne

This is simply a lovely story and one that brings back fond memories as soon as I turn that first page. It regards Handa who is delivering a basket of fruit to her friend, but as she does so some animals get in her way. This would be a great story to use for a term of work perhaps as it explores many areas. From the fruit (healthy living and eating learning opportunities) to the range of animals (science learning opportunities could be incorporated) there is a multitude of great teaching that can be brought to light though the book. The level of language I would place perfect for reception where many children would be able to read confidently. 

I love reminiscing and retelling some of these classics as well as some less known children's books. I love exploring literature and how to use this in the classroom so feel free to share any recommendations!

Whilst on placement, I am looking forward to blog my placement experience further, especially the reflections on my teaching (and learning)! I will end todays page with a quote which sums this post up perfectly from Micheal Rosen (who has to be one of my all time favourite children's authors):

"Anyone who was once a child should have at least one children's book in them"

- Miss Yeoman