Children’s Books in Early Years: Using Stories to Support Language, Emotions, and Learning
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Welcome to a new episode of Eyes On Us, where Emma and Sophie explore the real topics shaping Early Years education in the UAE.
In this special holiday episode, Emma and Sophie focus on something simple, powerful, and often underestimated in Early Years practice: children’s books.
Rather than discussing books as a passive activity or something used only during story time, this episode looks at how books can actively support language development, emotional understanding, social skills, and meaningful interaction across the Early Years setting.
Emma and Sophie share a selection of books they regularly use and return to in practice. Each book is chosen not because it is popular, but because it genuinely supports children’s learning and engagement in different ways.
The episode begins by exploring books for babies and toddlers, where interaction, repetition, and sensory engagement are key. Board books such as Don’t Tickle the Monkey encourage early communication through touch, sound, and shared attention, making them particularly effective for very young children. Books like Peck, Peck, Peck use repetition, rhythm, and simple visuals to support early language, counting, and turn-taking, while also creating opportunities for conversation and prediction.
Emma and Sophie then discuss classic stories that continue to work well in Early Years settings. Peter Rabbit, particularly in board book formats, offers rich vocabulary, expressive illustrations, and gentle storylines that help children explore emotions, consequences, and problem-solving in a way that feels accessible and familiar.
The episode also looks at books that support social development and relationships. Solo is highlighted as a story that opens conversations about sharing, friendship, and belonging, helping children reflect on their own experiences with others. These kinds of stories provide a safe way for children to explore social situations and build empathy.
Environmental awareness and care for the world are also explored through stories such as Tiny Crab Is a Tidy Crab. This book helps children connect ideas of tidying, responsibility, and caring for shared spaces to real experiences, particularly relevant in local contexts.
Emma and Sophie also discuss the importance of books that support inclusion and understanding of difference. The Hospital Dog is shared as a gentle way to introduce conversations about community helpers, illness, and diverse abilities, allowing children to ask questions and make sense of experiences they may encounter.
Emotional development is a strong theme throughout the episode. Barbara Throws a Wobbler is discussed as a powerful book for helping children recognise and talk about big feelings. It gives children language for emotions and shows that feelings can be expressed, understood, and managed over time.
Throughout the episode, Emma and Sophie emphasise that books are not just resources to fill time. When chosen and used intentionally, books become tools that support communication, emotional regulation, behaviour, and deeper learning. The way adults share stories, ask questions, and respond to children’s ideas matters just as much as the book itself.
This episode encourages practitioners to slow down, reflect on the books they already have, and think more intentionally about how stories are used within their practice. Small changes in book choice and storytelling approach can have a meaningful impact on children’s learning and engagement.
If we want to support language, connection, and understanding in Early Years, we need to think carefully about the stories we share and how we share them.
Explore our upcoming CPD courses to continue developing strong, evidence-informed pedagogy within your setting.
