Additional resources
Alongside the Bookstart, you can also find information to help you and your little ones on their reading journey:
BBC Tiny Happy People
Also highly recommended is the BBC offer for under 5s, Tiny Happy People. You’ll find lots of simple activities and play ideas here, that will help you develop your child's communication skills. There’s supporting articles for parents to stories, nursery rhymes and songs to share with your little one.
Book Trust
The Book Trust webpages are a great resource for families and practitioners alike, and not just for the 0 to 5 year olds!
Starting off with Bookstart, explore their webpages and see what’s on offer! Why not start by checking out the Rhyme Time Challenge?
Look at their other programmes including the Letterbox Club for looked after children, and Time to Read for reception age children.
Book Trust’s Home Time is here! These are webpages for the family to join in with and have fun, with downloadable resources and activities, reading suggestions and more.
CBeebies
If you’re unsure what television is best to watch for your little one, then try out CBeebies. CBeebies is targeted at children aged two to seven years old, with sister channel CBBC aimed at viewers aged 6 to 14 years. It broadcasts every day from 6am to 7pm, timesharing with BBC Four.
The Literacy Trust
Hungry Little Minds is the government’s campaign to support children aged 0 to 5 years and is managed by the Literacy Trust. You’ll find simple, fun activities for kids here, split into age ranges for easy access.
Literacy Trust resources include Family Zone and Small Talk. Small Talk is a project which helps parents turn the activities they are already doing with their child every day into new opportunities to build their child’s language skills. Lots of resources and activities to enjoy, along with support and guidance.
Also now available is the Virtual School. Every week a popular children’s author or illustrator will take on the role of author of the week with an exclusive video, a free ebook or audiobook, engaging activities and recommended reads.
NSPCC – Look, Say, Sing, Play
The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) breaks down early years development into four aspects: Look, Say, Sing and Play. They say that every time you play with your baby, use silly voices, or even sing, you’re not just bonding, you’re building their brain! With the NSPCC’s knowledge and support on child safety, you’re also on the right website to learn about online safety for children. It’s never too young to start!
