Picture Story Time: First Comprehension (EYFS)

Inside Picture Story Time: First Comprehension (EYFS)

listening carefully to a short story about Milo the puppy, answering who, what and where questions, sorting what happened first, next and last, guessing what happens next, and retelling the story in your own words. About 20 gentle minutes with a grown-up.

Learning objectives

• listen carefully to a short story read aloud by a grown-up;
• answer simple who, what and where questions about what they heard;
• sequence the story — what happened first, next and last;
• predict what might happen next and talk about their ideas;
• retell the story in their own words, with toys, drawings and acting out.

Activities in this book

1. Story 1 — Listen to Our Story

   read the story out loud slowly, twice if you like. Then ask each question and let your child point back to the story before choosing an answer.

2. Story 2 — First, Next & Last

   say the story back together with 'first…', 'next…' and 'last…' before choosing. Counting the story on your fingers helps — one finger for each thing that happened!

3. Story 3 — What Happens Next?

   there is no wrong guess! Ask 'what do you think Milo does when he wakes up?' and enjoy whatever your child imagines — silly ideas are wonderful ideas.

4. Story 4 — Tell the Story Your Way

   let your child hold the book or a toy dog and 'be the storyteller'. Gently prompt with 'and then what happened?' — the words don't need to match the book at all.

5. Story 5 — Story Time at Home

   bedtime stories are perfect for this. After any book, ask one gentle 'who', 'what' or 'where' question, and sometimes 'what do you think happens next?' — little and often is best.

Suggestions for teaching

• Read it twice. Read the story slowly and with fun voices, then read it again before the questions — hearing it twice is completely allowed.
• Who, what, where. Ask the question, then let your child point back to the part of the story that holds the answer before they choose.
• Sequencing. Retell the story together on your fingers — one finger per event — so "first, next, last" becomes something they can touch.
• Predicting. Welcome every guess warmly. The aim is talking and imagining, not getting the "right" ending.
• Retelling. Hand over a teddy or toy dog and let your child be the storyteller. Prompt gently with "and then what happened?" rather than correcting.