Image: Department for Education / Open Government Licence v3.0 / Press release published on gov.uk site
Education Secretary urges parents to swap scrolling with reading as she launches a National Year of Reading for 2026 to boost kids’ literacy and life chances.
From: Department for Education and The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP
Published: 6 July 2025
The Education Secretary is calling on parents to lead by example and make reading a daily habit to help reverse the decline in reading for pleasure, to help give kids the best start in life as part of the Plan for Change.
The call comes as the Department for Education and National Literacy Trust join forces to launch a National Year of Reading, starting in January 2026 to kick start a reading revolution. It will reverse the trend as just one in three aged 8 to 18 said they enjoyed reading in their free time in 2025.
Bringing together parents, schools, libraries, businesses and literacy experts, the campaign aims to foster a love of reading for pleasure in children and young people, ensuring all children get the best start in life.
Reading for pleasure isn’t just a hobby. It’s linked to a range of benefits including stronger writing skills, improved wellbeing and confidence, and even higher future earnings, with new data showing those proficient in reading and writing in primary school earn £65,000 more over their lifetime.
The government inherited a system which is holding too many children back from future success with over a quarter leaving primary school not meeting the expected standard in reading. This grows to 40% and 59% respectively for children from white-working class backgrounds and those with special educational needs.
The Year will build on the action already underway to drive high and rising standards in literacy including investing £27.7 million to support the teaching of reading and writing in primary school and targeted support for struggling readers in secondary school, as well as the ongoing curriculum and assessment review.
The campaign contributes to the government’s driving mission to break the link between a child’s background and what they go on to achieve and comes as the Education Secretary sets out her vision for ensuring every child gets the best possible start in life and starts school ready to learn including by boosting early literacy skills through the expansion of the government’s network of English Hubs.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:
As someone whose love of reading was sparked in childhood, I know just how powerful books can be in shaping young lives.
Reading holds the keys to so much of children’s education, so the decline in reading for pleasure among young people should sound alarm bells loud and clear.
This can’t be just a government mission. It needs to be a national one. So, it’s time for all of us to play our part, put our phones down and pick up a book.
When parents take the time to read with their children early on, they lay the foundations for strong literacy skills, helping kids to be school ready. By making reading a daily habit, even just 10 minutes a day, we can help give kids the best start in life, as part of the Plan for Change.
To kick start the reading revolution this summer, the National Literacy Trust will distribute over 72,000 new books to children in areas with the highest rates of child poverty to support positive reading habits at home.
This comes during the Summer Reading Challenge to ensure more children have the opportunity to take part and build a love of reading over the break.
CEO of the National Literacy Trust, Jonathan Douglas, said:
At a time when we are witnessing the lowest levels of reading enjoyment and daily reading in a generation, we are delighted to be working with the government to deliver the National Year of Reading 2026 - a bold, society-wide campaign to reimagine how we understand, support and promote reading. Reading is the foundation of a successful life - the key to unlocking potential, strengthening social cohesion, enhancing wellbeing and boosting skills.
The National Year of Reading 2026 presents an opportunity to join forces across sectors and redefine reading as a powerful, contemporary activity for a generation. Working closely with schools, families, libraries, communities and partners across the country, we will make reading a shared national mission - because every child, no matter their background, deserves the best start in life and every adult deserves to get the best out of life.
The campaign will be packed full of exciting school and community events and activities supported by a dedicated website, backed by over 30 organisations so far including Premier League, Julia Rausing Trust, Arts Council England, the Very Group and a range of publishers.
Clare Sumner, Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer at the Premier League said:
The Premier League has worked alongside the National Literacy Trust for nearly 25 years, using the power of football to inspire children across England and Wales to develop a love of reading from a young age. Through our Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Inspires education programmes we continue to support children and young people aged five to 18. Since 2017, we have provided over 350,000 free books to schools and a range of free curriculum-linked resources using children’s passion for football to engage them in learning. We look forward to working alongside the National Literacy Trust and the Department for Education to engage young people as part of the National Year of Reading.
CEO of the Publishers Association, Dan Conway, said:
Publishers are proud to be working with the government and partners to help transform lives through reading. A wide range of publishers of all sizes have contributed financially and the whole publishing industry is ready to get behind this campaign to ensure it sparks lasting behaviour change. This is a once in a generation opportunity for us to work with the government and make a huge difference for the benefit of society. Reading for enjoyment is the best indicator of a child’s future success and brings a huge number of benefits from supporting mental health, helping develop empathy and encouraging children to explore their interests independently.
Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency said:
The Reading Agency is delighted to be here in the No 10 Garden to champion this year’s Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge, which brings together the magic of nature and the joy of books. It is a wonderful moment to celebrate the power of stories to spark imaginations across the country.
We believe every child deserves access to the transformative power of reading, and that journey begins in the library this summer. Sign up for this free, fun way to keep children reading all summer long.
With 26 years of evidence behind it and with the National Year of Reading approaching, we look forward to everyone building on the 15 million reading journeys already started through this life-changing programme.
Simon Fourmy, Director of The Julia Rausing Trust, said:
The National Year of Reading 2026 is an exciting campaign that builds on the Trust’s longstanding support of literacy initiatives. It will encourage people across the UK to engage with books, bringing opportunities to develop essential skills and a life-long love of reading. The Julia Rausing Trust is proud to be an early funder, and we encourage others to join us in supporting this important campaign.
The Education Secretary will address businesses and leading literacy advocates tomorrow (7 July 2025) at No.10 to rally further support ahead of the National Year of Reading.
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
FREE ‘Little Owls Resources’ Educational Materials to support EYFS settings & schools | Inspiring a love of Reading & Storytelling
Perfect for ‘The Little Red Hen’ role-play activities! Plus your children will love to colour the headbands themselves!
Hen, Cat, Pig and Goose included.
Prepare a loop of paper to fit the child’s head.
Colour and cut out the desired headband and stick to the paper loop.
Wear the headband!
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These sheets are made for children to think about the characters from the story and record their thoughts.
These thoughts can be written around the pictures by the children if they are able but equally valuable if scribed by an adult.
The discussions and ideas are the most important part of this activity!
At the end of the pack is a short question idea card to get the discussion started but add as many other questions as you like and encourage the children to ask their own questions too!
Hen, Cat, Pig and Goose included.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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'My Favourite/Favorite Character’ Writing/Drawing/Mark Making Sheets. Both spellings included.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Perfect for ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ role-play. Plus your children will love to colour the masks themselves!
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Pack includes ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ display banner, plus call outs for key phrases within the story.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Consolidate children’s knowledge of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ whilst playing a fun game of ‘snap’ (or a memory game of ‘picking up pairs’ if you only print 2 of each card) with this set of large snap cards. The cards are made with a tab backing which can be folded before lamination in order to strengthen the final product. This also means that when turned over, the picture on the front can not be seen. Great stimulus for developing language skills!
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Pack of 9 colouring sheets with a ‘Fairies’ theme. Great for mindfulness practise!
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Have great fun with your children whilst all pretending to be fairies with this set of 6 Fairy Activity Challenge cards.
Perhaps children could stand in a circle around the pile of cards and take turns to pick one for everyone to do. Cards could equally be shrunk down and placed on a key ring to take out on adventures or featured on an indoor or outdoor display board and referred to with everyone carrying out the activity on floor space in front.
Once the children get to know the cards they will be able to relate the action to the picture without necessarily needing the card read to them...For example an adult may be able to simply hold up a card and everyone will be able to do the activity together!
Great for physical development, descriptive language, imagination, understanding the world and turn taking.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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What will the bears take on their picnic?
These sheets can be used in the following ways:
Group Prompts to inspire discussion / communication and language skills and subsequent children’s art & craft work.
Printed for individual artwork use.
Laminated to be used repeatedly with whiteboard pens or as playdough mats.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Perfect for ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ role-play.
Here’s how to create them:
Prepare a loop of paper to fit the child’s head.
Cut out the desired ears and stick to the paper loop.
Wear the bear ears to the picnic!
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These number challenge mats can be laminated to be used repeatedly with whiteboard pens or playdough.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Have fun with this set of 8 ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ Activity Challenge cards. Great for exploring the story further! The suggested movement activities will bring elements of the story to life and embed ideas securely through active learning.
Perhaps children could stand in a circle around the pile of cards and take turns to pick one for everyone to do. Once the children get to know the cards they will be able to relate the action to the picture without necessarily needing the card read to them...For example an adult may be able to simply hold up a card and everyone will be able to do the activity together!
Great for physical development, descriptive language, understanding the world, number recognition and turn taking.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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9 colouring pages which outline the key elements of the traditional tale.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Pack includes ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ display banner, plus call outs for key phrases within the story.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Word mat for use alongside ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ theme. Perfect for use within a display, role-play activities, mark making and more!
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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'My Favourite/Favorite Part’ Writing/Drawing/Mark Making Sheets. Both spellings included.
‘My Favourite Character’ Sheets also available.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Perfect for ‘The Three Little Pigs’ role-play!
You may prefer to encourage your child(ren) to decorate their own masks with the colouring versions here.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Large (18.5 cm square) ‘Three Little Pigs’ story sequence cards to share with your children. Ideal as a group starter before using our smaller cut, sequence, listen and match activity cards.
After using these prompts you may like to extend your children with our THREE LITTLE PIGS - STORY CUT, SEQUENCE, LISTEN AND MATCH CARDS
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Encourage the children to think about the wolf and his actions during the story. Imagine why the police would want to stop him! Differentiated templates provided within pack.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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10 colouring pages which outline the key elements of the traditional tale.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Pack includes ‘The Three Little Pigs’ display banner, plus call outs for key phrases within the story.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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This ‘Today’ Small A4 Weather Calendar is ideal for use in a compact space such as within a home setting. More themes and sizes AVAILABLE HERE.
Please note that if you wish to edit the text you can do so in the EDITABLE docx file version below. NON-EDITABLE pdf file also available below.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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I’d like to see MORE POSTERS & DISPLAYS please.
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Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Print one to a page for a large display or fewer for a smaller display or flashcards for use in games and activities.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These Pirate Ship Signs are perfect to use during 'Pirate' role-play. They can be used to enhance a pirate role-play area to prompt dialogue and develop subject knowledge.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Ideal as part of 'Pirate' role-play. This ‘Design your own Pirate Flag’ sheet can be printed out for the children to draw their own flag designs to take home. If your children enjoy using this to enrich their role-play they may also enjoy designing their own ‘Pirate Hats’.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Versatile ‘How many animals can you fit in the house?’ sheet/mat. Great for use alongside reading ‘A Squash and a Squeeze’!
Here are some ideas:
Place small world animals into the house. Practice 1:1 correspondence counting.
Laminate and use as a playdough mat. Have fun creating playdough animals.
Draw/make marks to represent animals inside the house.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Various templates included for children to draw and/or write about a book they have enjoyed.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Various templates included for children to draw and/or write about a book they have enjoyed.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Various templates included for children to draw and write about a book character.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Two different templates included for children to draw and write about a character.
The character could be one they know from an existing story or your child(ren) could make up their own character(s).
On each sheet there is space for children to draw a character and write something they might say.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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‘Our Favourite Books!’ Banner in 3 different sizes.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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‘Our Favorite Books!’ Banner in 3 different sizes. (Note, this version is the US spelling of favorite.)
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Differentiated templates (4 included) which provide a space for children to express thoughts about a book that they enjoy. (UK spelling of ‘favourite’.)
You may like to present your very youngest children with a few books you know they enjoy reading. They can look at them and perhaps gravitate towards the one they enjoy the most. As children get older, you may feel you can talk to them about what they like about the book, e.g. the characters or that it is funny, or it makes them smile at the end when everyone is happy, etc. The oldest children may be able to discuss in more detail characters, objects, settings and plot points that they enjoy.
After discussion (or during), children may like to make marks/drawings on an appropriate sheet or even write some key words. You may like to write down some of the things that the child has said during your chat. The youngest children may for example make a mark on the paper and say e.g. ‘bee’ indicating that is what they have drawn from the book. The oldest children may draw a picture showing some elements of the book and attempt sounding out and writing a sentence e.g. ‘It is fun’ or ‘I like the frog’.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Differentiated templates (4 included) which provide a space for children to express thoughts about a book that they enjoy. (US spelling of ‘favorite’.)
You may like to present your very youngest children with a few books you know they enjoy reading. They can look at them and perhaps gravitate towards the one they enjoy the most. As children get older, you may feel you can talk to them about what they like about the book, e.g. the characters or that it is funny, or it makes them smile at the end when everyone is happy, etc. The oldest children may be able to discuss in more detail characters, objects, settings and plot points that they enjoy.
After discussion (or during), children may like to make marks/drawings on an appropriate sheet or even write some key words. You may like to write down some of the things that the child has said during your chat. The youngest children may for example make a mark on the paper and say e.g. ‘bee’ indicating that is what they have drawn from the book. The oldest children may draw a picture showing some elements of the book and attempt sounding out and writing a sentence e.g. ‘It is fun’ or ‘I like the frog’.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Have great fun building your own stories! Simply select 1 of the 3 differentiated template sheets. Then select a character (6 to choose from), a setting (6 to choose from) and an object (6 to choose from). Stick them into the appropriate boxes at the top of the sheet and let your imaginations run wild!
How much input is required from an adult will depend on the child. The ideas vocalised by a child could range from simply telling you what the items in the boxes are to a fragment of an idea about what might happen with the character and the object in the setting, to a fully fledged story with a beginning, middle and end.
A child’s thoughts can be scribed by an adult or drawn/written by the child. Ideal prompt for story ideas/ writing/ mark making.
Why not use in conjunction with our ‘Lollipop Puppet Set’ or ‘Character Building Pack’?
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These sheets are designed to help children to build up a character in preparation for story writing (oral and/or written). Children can write/draw their own descriptions or an adult can scribe for them. This pack includes 6 different character sheets and a sheet at the end with a blank character box in order that children may make up their own characters!
Why not use in conjunction with our ‘Lollipop Puppet Set’ or ‘Story Building Pack’?
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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This pack includes 8 pages which are designed to be place together to create a book to share with your baby.
Each of the pages with a different weather type have an image and a suggestion for interaction with him/her. Enjoy exploring the book together and noticing which pages he/she likes the most.
Perhaps you could even place the pages in order of which ones they like the best. For example, you could place the ones with least reaction from your baby at the beginning and the ones with the most positive reaction at the end, hopefully culminating at the end with your baby smiling, laughing and/or giggling! With his/her input in the order of the book, you could write their name on the front in the ‘Created by’ box. If you are a childcare provider, this could be a lovely gift for him/her to take home and share with family.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Place a selection of these pages together to create a book! (Blue version) Differentiated pages for you to choose from to best suit your child’s developmental stage.
Pages range from a sheet with one box for mark making/drawing a part of the story on, to space included for an adult to write down what the child has said (scribing), to enough space for the child to draw a picture and a few words or a full sentence.
The first page included is designed to be the front cover of the book: Title in the top box, a picture in the middle and who the book was created by at the bottom.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Place a selection of these pages together to create a book! (Purple version) Differentiated pages for you to choose from to best suit your child’s developmental stage.
Pages range from a sheet with one box for mark making/drawing a part of the story on, to space included for an adult to write down what the child has said (scribing), to enough space for the child to draw a picture and a few words or a full sentence.
The first page included is designed to be the front cover of the book: Title in the top box, a picture in the middle and who the book was created by at the bottom.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Additional related resources for EYFS & KS1 settings
Select the buttons below to explore our Little Owls Resources educational materials on the topics below:
Visit our ‘Books and Storytelling’ page…
Explore our ‘Traditional Fairy Tale’ resources.
Delve into a land of imagination and fairy tales by exploring the following themes:
‘Area of Learning’ pages you may find useful:
