Lesson 2: Listening to a story

Listening attentively to a story; answering questions and retelling parts of a story.

Learning objectives

  • To listen attentively to a story. 
  • To talk about and retell parts of a story they have deep familiarity with.

EYFS outcomes

Literacy

ELG: Comprehension

Children at the expected level of development will:

  • Demonstrate understanding of what has been read to them by retelling stories and narratives using their own words and recently introduced vocabulary.

 

Communication and Language

ELG: Listening, Attention and Understanding

Children at the expected level of development will:

  • ​​Listen attentively and respond to what they hear with relevant questions, comments and actions when being read to and during whole class discussions and small group interactions.
  • Make comments about what they have heard and ask questions to clarify their understanding.

 

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

ELG: Self-Regulation

Children at the expected level of development will:

  • Give focused attention to what the teacher says, responding appropriately even when engaged in activity, and show an ability to follow instructions involving several ideas or actions.

See Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage.

Non-statutory curriculum guidance

Communication and Language

Children in reception will be learning to:

  • Listen to and talk about stories to build familiarity and understanding.
  • Retell the story, once they have developed a deep familiarity with the text, some as exact repetition and some in their own words.

See Development Matters (non-statutory curriculum guidance).

Before the lesson

Print in advance

Activity

Teacher notes

Key vocabulary

Prompts for learning

Observations

Next steps

  • Understand why it is important to listen carefully. 
  • Develop an understanding of the need for honest and open communication.
  • Note any specific next steps for individual children.
Created by:
Sophie Pickles,  
Computing specialist
Sophie is an expert Early Years consultant. She has spent many years both teaching in Reception and leading, in her role of Head of Early Years and senior manager at an outstanding-rated, child-led setting. Sophie now works with many national educational…
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