Our Core Books and Rhymes
We have carefully selected a key book for each age group which is read aloud repeatedly during each half-term, allowing the children to become deeply familiar with them, develop a love of reading and build vocabulary and language skills. The core books are extended by reading a range of other stories and books which share a theme during the half-term, but the core books are the stories which are explored in depth with the children.
To support the core texts, nursery rhymes, poems and songs have been identified to teach the children so that they can confidently join in with the rhymes. These can be regularly heard throughout the nursery, so be prepared to start hearing them at home!
Turtles and Starfish Core Books and Rhymes
Autumn 1
Core Book – Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Alan Ahlberg
Click here to listen to the story
Core Rhyme – Mango, Mango, Mango
Autumn 2
Core Book – Walking through the Jungle by Julie Lacome
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Core Rhyme – Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Spring 1
Core Book – The Three Little Pigs – Traditional Tale
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Core Rhyme – Polly Put the Kettle on
Spring 2
Core Book – The Gingerbread Man – Traditional Tale
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Core Rhyme – Run Run as Fast as You Can
Summer 1
Core Book – Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke and Angela Brookesbank
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Core Rhyme – 1,2,3,4,5 Once I Caught a Fish Alive
Summer 2
Core Book – The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
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Core Rhyme – Days of the Week
Jellyfish and Dolphin Core Books and Rhymes
Autumn 1
Core Book – Goldilocks and the Three Bears – Traditional Tale
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Core Rhyme – When Goldilocks went to the House of the Bears
Autumn 2
Core Book - Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
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Core Rhyme – I am a Wide-Eyed Owl
Spring 1
Core Book – The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
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Core Rhyme - Gruffalo Song
Spring 2
Core Book – The Little Red Hen – Traditional Tale
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Core Rhyme – Hickety Pickety
Summer 1
Core Book – Jack and the Beanstalk – Traditional Tale
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Core Rhyme – The Farmer Plants the Seeds
Summer 2
Core Book – Handa's Surprise by Eileen Browne
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Core Rhyme – 7 Juicy Fruits