Learning Through Literacy

Our Work with Neil Griffiths

Last October our management team attended an Early Years Conference where we had the opportunity to listen to the very engaging and inspiring author Neil Griffiths. Neil is the creator of the critically acclaimed Story-sack phenomenon and highly popular author of many children’s picture books and educational publications.

Several of our team then had the opportunity to attend further training with Neil. On this occasion we learnt about inspiring awe and wonder around books as well as the art of story-telling for young children.

Literacy Champions

Moving on from our work with Neil we have appointed Sharon (Toftwood Deputy Manager) and Laura Edwards (Scarning Manager) to be our Little Owls Literacy Champions. The role of our literacy champions is to inspire, train and resource our nurseries so we are able to deliver literacy within the EYFS to the highest standard.

This includes embedding books within all areas of provision. Ensuring our children have access to different types of literature including non-fiction books to develop understanding that some books carry facts and information. Providing opportunities to engage with different types of text such as Braille, different languages, maps, instructions and menus.

Our Literacy Champions have already planned some exciting events for the new term including:

In house training for our staff team at this year’s annual update meeting.
Expanding our selection of weekend bags and story sacks for families to borrow for use at home.
Story Cafes & A Bedtime Story evening for families to join in with.

Home Learning

We have lots of ways you can get involved at home. Upload photos or videos to Tapestry of your children enjoying their favourite books and magazines at home. Use small toys or every day items to create imaginative play around a story.

Don’t be afraid to use props or silly voices to create fun and laughter around a book, encourage your older children to suggest a different ending or character.

In every nursery we have weekend bags for our families to enjoy. We also have a book bag and library card for each of our Barn Owl children to broaden their access to different types of literacy through our nursery library. Using this facility is also great preparation for school helping our families to develop the habit of regular reading as well as changing their books.