Book Explorers

The Basic Idea

This idea is about playing with books as objects before we even dive into the story. Get the books off the bookcase, and have a look at them together – what does a book feel like? Or smell like? When you turn it upside down, suddenly all the pictures are standing on their head!

Over To You, Wee One

Make sure everyone has their own book, so they can explore and play in their own way – a simple way to join in exploratory play is to mirror what a wee one is doing, and see what happens when you bring your books together.

Cheeky Bonuses

• Helps wee ones feel familiar with books, which will make them more comfortable with reading and storytime
• Engaging in sensory play and exploration can be a great way to connect without words and wind down before bed

Variations

• What else can a book be? Prop it open to make it a mini laptop or piano, on your head it becomes a hat!
• Can you tie your imaginative play into the story? A book about ducks can become a wonderful pecking duck bill!

And Remember...

This is also a great way for wee ones to learn about how to look after books – start with board books, and use the opportunity to chat about how paper pages need more gentle hands.