17/09/2026
At Rainbow Room, we understand the importance of developing early literacy skills from a young age. Sharing books and stories with children supports their communication and language development, helps to build their vocabulary, encourages listening and attention skills, and allows children to develop their imagination, creativity and understanding of the world around them. Most importantly, enjoying books together helps children to develop a love of reading that can continue throughout their lives.
Here at Rainbows, we provide children with lots of opportunities to explore books throughout their day. Children have free access to a wide range of books in both our indoor and outdoor environments, as well as books being incorporated into our different areas and set-ups around the nursery. This allows children to independently choose books that interest them, look at the pictures, share stories with their friends and approach an adult when they would like a story read to them. We also encourage children to respect and care for our books, teaching them to turn pages carefully, look after the resources and return books when they have finished with them.
Storytelling is also an important part of our daily routine. During circle time, we enjoy sharing stories together, giving children opportunities to listen, join in with familiar words and phrases, talk about characters and events, and predict what might happen next. We also value those lovely spontaneous moments when a child independently brings a book to an adult and asks them to read it. These interactions are incredibly valuable as they allow children to follow their own interests and experience the enjoyment of sharing a story one-to-one with a familiar adult.
Recently, we enjoyed a visit to our local library, where the children had the opportunity to explore the library environment and spend some time enjoying stories together. This was a wonderful experience for the children and helped them to understand that books and reading are an important part of our wider community. We also talked about how to respect and look after books, both at nursery and when visiting places such as the library.
We would love to encourage our families to continue these experiences at home. You don't need lots of time or special resources to support your child's early literacy. Simply sitting together and sharing a story, looking at the pictures, talking about what you can see, letting your child choose a book or making up your own stories can all make a difference. Re-reading a favourite story is also a fantastic way to help children become familiar with language and develop confidence in joining in.
Don't forget that our Rainbows Lending Library is located in the foyer, where children and parents can access the books whenever they wish. We encourage you to take advantage of this resource and choose a book to borrow and enjoy together at home. This gives children the opportunity to continue their love of books beyond the nursery environment and makes reading a special part of family life.
Every story shared, every conversation had and every page turned helps to build the foundations for children's future literacy skills. Most importantly, make reading enjoyable, follow your child's interests and enjoy spending that special time together.
Why not choose a book from our Lending Library and enjoy a story together at home this week?
📖📖📖📖📖📖
Kelly x
