Each post in this blog makes recommendations grouped around a particular theme, in recognition that many primary teachers like to chose books for Story Time in this way.
I hope to add further themes regularly.
Some posts cover Reception / Key Stage 1 only, some cover Key Stage 2 only and some cover the full primary range, depending on the theme.
Within this, recommendations are generally grouped into Reception / Year 1, Year 1 / Year 2, Year 3 / Year 4, and Year 5 / Year 6. Because interest levels are very variable, it seemed unhelpful to work in single year groups. You will decide which books will best suit your particular class or group. As long as you have followed The Golden Rule (Tips 1) you will be in a position to do this easily.
I would expect most children to be ready to move on from mainly picture books to include some longer ‘chapter books’ sometime during Year 1, although the transition will probably be gradual, with a mixture of the two being used for quite a while. You will decide when is best. For this reason, I have grouped Year 1 with both Reception and Year 2, to indicate particular flexibility in which books may be best.
In Key Stage 2, I have sometimes divided books into ‘engagement level’, designed primarily to capture the interest of children who currently do not read for pleasure enough, and ‘stretch level’, selected to introduce more committed readers to books that may be outside or a little beyond those they would choose to read themselves.
Having said all this, you should not feel constrained either by the particular topic labels or by my age/level indications. Use whatever you think is suitable. Story Time books do not necessarily need to relate to a particular topic and age/interest levels can be very fluid. Sometimes picture books can very successfully be used with older children and some younger children will respond well to much longer reads.
Under each sub-heading I have limited my suggestions to just a few books, so as not to over-face you, in the light of so many books and recommendations ‘out there’. However these selections are offered as possible starting points only. Where they lead is up to you. The world of children’s books is rich and hugely rewarding.
In addition to the main blog ‘posts’, I offer my tips for effective and enjoyable Story Time on the ‘notes pages’, which remain permanently available on a separate menu.
Important note: In my opinion the books recommended are broadly suitable for the ages given. However groups of children differ considerably and not all teachers share exactly the same opinions as to what is and isn’t suitable. You should always follow The Golden Rule (Tips 1) and make your own decision about the suitability of a particular book for your children.
