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 Nursery Rhyme – Jack and Jill
Autumn 2
Core Book – Walking through the Jungle by Julie Lacome
Click here to listen to the story
Core Nursery Rhyme - Two Little Dickie Birds
Spring 1
Core Book – The Three Little Pigs – Traditional Tale
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Core Nursery Rhyme - This Little Piggy went to Market
Spring 2
Core Book – The Gingerbread Man – Traditional Tale
Click here to listen to the story
Core Nursery Rhyme - Baa Baa Black Sheep
Summer 1
Core Book – Handa's Surprise by Eileen Browne
Click here to listen to the story
Core Nursery Rhyme - Humpty Dumpty
Summer 2
Core Book – The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Click here to listen to the story
Core Nursery Rhyme - Incy Wincy Spider
Jellyfish and Dolphin Core Books and Rhymes
Autumn 1
Core Book – Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
Click here to listen to the story
Core Nursery Rhyme - Three Blind Mice
Core Poem - Wise Old Owl
Autumn 2
Core Book - Goldilocks and the Three Bears Traditional Tale
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Core Nursery Rhyme – Hickory Dickory Dock
Core Poem - Pointy Hat
Spring 1
Core Book – The Little Red Hen
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Core Nursery Rhyme - Little Miss Muffet
Core Poem - Sliced Bread
Spring 2
Core Book – Would you Rather...
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Core Nursery Rhyme - Hungry Birdies
Core Poem - 1, 2 Buckle my Shoe
Summer 1
Core Book – Jack and the Beanstalk – Traditional Tale
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Core Nursery Rhyme – Mary Mary Quite Contrary
Core Poem - Five Little Peas
Summer 2
Core Book – So Much by Trish Cooke
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Core Nursery Rhyme – Miss Polly had a Dolly
Core Poem - If I were so very small