E a r l y Y e a r s L i t e r a c y a t H u r s t
Reading is at the heart of life at Hurst, and nurturing a lifelong love of books begins from the very earliest years. Our Reception children enjoyed a special storytime when Mr Mott, Head of College, visited their classroom to read one of their favourite books, Poo in the Zoo.
The children were delighted to welcome Mr Mott, who brought the story to life with expressive reading, plenty of enthusiasm and a wonderful sense of fun. Their excitement was infectious as they immersed themselves in the story, demonstrating how books can spark curiosity, encourage imagination and create moments of shared enjoyment.
Visits like this reflect the importance placed on reading for pleasure throughout Hurst. From the earliest stages of learning, children are encouraged to discover the joy of stories, explore new ideas and develop the literacy skills that will support them throughout their education. Whether discovering a favourite character, learning new vocabulary or imagining different worlds, reading helps build not only essential language skills but also confidence, creativity and a lifelong curiosity about the world.
Reading for pleasure is a key part of life in the Early Years, helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a lasting love of books. Mr Mott’s visit gave Reception children the chance to enjoy a favourite story together and share the excitement that reading can bring. It was a memorable occasion that highlighted the important role books play in nurturing imagination and inspiring young learners at Hurst.
This special storytime was a wonderful reminder of how a shared love of reading can bring pupils and staff together, reinforcing the important role that books play in everyday life at Hurst.