January 2024 Parenta magazine_website

EYFS activities:
Literacy
In the EYFS, literacy plays a pivotal role in fostering crucial developmental skills in young children. Early exposure to
literacy activities, including reading and language-rich interactions, lays the foundation for effective communication
and comprehension.
It not only promotes achievement in language but also enhances cognitive abilities, critical thinking, and problemsolving
skills. Moreover, it nurtures a love for reading and learning, setting the stage for a lifelong journey of
exploration and knowledge.
The emphasis on literacy in the early years is integral to preparing children for academic success and equipping
them with essential tools for communication and self-expression.
Word tracing with pom-poms
You will need:
• Printed word templates or marker pen and
paper
• Plastic tweezers
• Small pom-pom balls
• Collect printed word templates or use
a marker pen to write words on sheets
of paper. Write simple words or create
sentences on the paper, either using
printed templates or a marker pen
• Make sure to write in large print, or use
large word templates for easy placement of
the pom-pom balls
• Introduce the plastic tweezers to the
children and explain the activity, then
instruct them to use the tweezers to pick up
the small pom-pom balls
• Encourage the children to trace the outline
of the words on the paper using the pompom
balls
• Emphasise feeling the words as they trace,
associating the tactile experience with word
recognition
• Make the activity more engaging by
allowing the children to create their own
patterns or designs while tracing the words
• If using sentences, discuss the meaning of
the words and the context of the sentence
to reinforce understanding
By combining a sensory experience with word
learning, this activity provides a playful and
effective way for children to engage with
language while refining their motor skills.
More on this activity and others can be found
here: https://kindergarteniscrazyfun.com/10-
ways-to-teach-sight-words-for-literacy-stationand-guided-reading-group-activities/
Alphabet matching puzzle
You will need:
• Paper plates
• Coloured marker pens
• Child-friendly scissors
• Cut the paper plates in half using scissors
• Aim for slight variations in the cuts for each
plate
• After cutting a plate, use the coloured
marker pens to write a lowercase letter on
one half and the corresponding uppercase
letter on the other
• Consider starting with the letters of the
child’s name for a personalised touch
• Continue this process for all the plates,
creating sets of puzzle pieces with
matching uppercase and lowercase letters
• Once all puzzle pieces are ready, shuffle
them around on a flat surface
• Encourage the children to match the pieces
by connecting the uppercase and lowercase
letters
• Prompt discussions about the alphabet
letters and their sounds as the children
engage in the matching game
• While playing, discuss the similarities and
differences between the uppercase and
lowercase letters
• Reinforce learning by emphasising the
importance of recognising both forms
This simple and interactive activity not only
enhances letter recognition but also provides
an engaging way for children to explore the
alphabet and its characteristics.
More on this activity and others can be found
here: https://toddlerapproved.com/alphabetpaper-plate-puzzles/
Storytime fun
You will need:
• A fun storybook
• Choose an engaging and age-appropriate
storybook that captivates the children’s
interest
• Begin reading the story, and after each
sentence or page, encourage the children to
participate actively
• Prompt them to act out the actions of the
story characters
• Engage the children by asking questions
related to the story
• Encourage them to express themselves
by answering questions and sharing their
thoughts on the narrative
• Watch as their imagination shines through
as they bring the story to life through
actions and responses
• Use this interactive approach to enhance
comprehension skills by ensuring the
children understand the storyline and
characters
• Utilise this opportunity to promote
communication skills by encouraging the
children to articulate their thoughts and
experiences related to the story
• Experiment with different stories and
adapt the level of interaction based on the
children’s age and preferences
• Allow room for creative interpretations and
adaptations of the story actions
By transforming traditional storytime into an
interactive experience, this activity not only
makes reading enjoyable but also contributes
to the holistic development of children,
encompassing comprehension, confidence, and
communication skills.
More on this activity and others can be found
here: https://www.firstdiscoverers.co.uk/earlyyears-literacy-games-activities/
36 January 2024 | parenta.com