The Open Eye group has bolstered its campaign against the statutory nature of the Early Years Foundation Stage by enlisting the support of two renowned children's authors, Philip Pullman and Michael Morpurgo (see News, page 4).
The inappropriate nature of some of the literacy goals for young children is a particular focus of the campaign's attention, and indeed has long attracted criticism from early years experts who otherwise welcome the EYFS and have no quarrel with its mandatory status.
In the National Year of Reading, it is particularly important that we don't forget the fundamental importance of good books for children - as a source of joy, wonder and reflection, as well as profound learning experiences.
So we're delighted to have enlisted our own author, Children's Laureate Michael Rosen, to write this week's 'All About ... Picture Books' (pages 19-22). His explanation of how good picture books work, concentrating on Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, is truly inspiring and it should make any early years practitioner want to rush to the book corner.
Rosen also recommends some of his favourite picture books for young children, and these would form the basis of a fine collection for any nursery, school or childminder. Modestly, he doesn't mention his own classic book that must be near the top of the list for everyone who works with birth to fives - We're Going on a Bear Hunt.
Authors such as Michael Rosen know the vital importance of instilling a love of reading and books at an early age. Read his article and be inspired - leave goals and guidance behind for a short while!
