Learning literacy from play: building readers and communicators from day one

We recently had a wonderful time celebrating World Book Day at The Nest! Children and staff came dressed as their favourite characters, and we spent the day sharing much-loved stories together.

While books play a vital role in early childhood, supporting brain development, language growth, and emotional understanding, literacy actually begins long before a child can read or write. In fact, many of the essential foundations for literacy are developed through play.

At The Nest, we recognise that playful experiences are key to building strong communication skills and a lifelong love of reading. Here’s how we support early literacy in engaging, meaningful ways.

Creating a Language Rich Environment

Everyday play is full of opportunities for children to develop their language skills. Whether they’re role-playing in the home corner or inventing imaginative stories, children are constantly experimenting with words and communication.

Through play, children begin to:

• Use narrative language and simple story structures

• Learn and practise new vocabulary

• Develop turn-taking in conversations

• Express thoughts, ideas, and feelings

As practitioners, we support this by modelling rich language, introducing new words naturally, and engaging in meaningful conversations with children throughout the day.

Bringing Stories to Life

Stories are at the heart of what we do—but we go beyond simply reading books.

We bring stories alive through role play, puppets, and interactive storytelling, helping children to fully engage with the narrative. These experiences support:

• Listening and concentration

• Understanding sequences and events

• A genuine enjoyment of books

Alongside this, we regularly share songs and rhymes, which help children tune into sounds and patterns in language—an important step toward early reading.

The Importance of Mark-Making

Early writing begins with mark-making. Before forming letters, children need the freedom to explore making marks in a variety of ways - through drawing, painting, or even writing in sensory play like sand or mud.

These experiences help children to:

• Recognise that marks can represent meaning

• Strengthen fine motor skills

• Gain confidence in expressing themselves visually

Every mark matters, and we celebrate each stage of this development.

Exploring Sounds and Symbols Through Play

We introduce early phonics in a fun and relaxed way, using games and everyday interactions. Children are encouraged to:

• Listen out for different sounds in words

• Make connections between sounds and letters

• Notice familiar signs, logos, and print in their environment

Storytelling is another important part of our approach. Children are encouraged to create and share their own stories, which we may write down, act out, or turn into simple books—helping them see the value of their ideas and voice.

We also enjoy regular sessions with Phonics with Robot Reg, adding an extra layer of fun to children’s early phonics experiences.

In Summary

Literacy development starts with communication, curiosity, and creativity—not just reading and writing.

By weaving language, storytelling, and mark-making into play, we help children build the skills they need to become confident communicators and enthusiastic learners.

So when your child shares a made-up story, shows you a drawing full of “writing,” or sings a new rhyme, they are doing important work—developing the foundations of literacy in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.