Marianne Haines, Manager of Gulf Harbour Preschool, has worked in early childhood education for nearly 30 years. Throughout her career, she has witnessed the powerful impact that developing a love of reading has on children's learning and development.
She believes that when educators and families work together, they can nurture a lifelong love of books, laying strong foundations for literacy, language, imagination, curiosity and learning across every area of a child's development.
Located on Auckland's beautiful Hibiscus Coast, Gulf Harbour Preschool has earned an outstanding reputation for its high-quality early childhood education. With 100% qualified teachers, a high teacher-to-child ratio, dedicated art and transition-to-school programmes, and an inquiry-based approach to learning, the preschool is committed to helping children aged two to five grow into confident, capable learners. Strong partnerships with whΔnau and a nurturing environment where curiosity is celebrated make it an inspiring place for children to learn, play and discover.
Creating joyful, meaningful experiences with books is at the heart of Marianne's philosophy. She believes that when children experience reading as enjoyable, comforting and part of everyday life, they begin to develop positive attitudes towards literacy that can remain with them throughout their lives.
Storytelling as part of everyday learning
Storytelling is woven naturally throughout the daily programme. Children enjoy books in both whole-group and small-group settings, where stories are brought to life through expressive reading. Teachers use facial expressions, different voices and gestures to capture children's imaginations and deepen their engagement.
Favourite stories are revisited again and again because Marianne recognises that repetition builds children's confidence, comprehension, vocabulary and enjoyment, while encouraging them to become active participants in the stories they love.
Following children's interests
A key part of Marianne's philosophy is following children's interests.
Children are encouraged to choose books they enjoy, while teachers thoughtfully introduce stories that connect with current learning projects and emerging interests. This intentional approach helps children see books as valuable tools for exploration and discovery.
During shared reading experiences, teachers ask open-ended questions such as, "What do you think will happen next?" and "How do you think she is feeling?" These conversations foster critical thinking, imagination, vocabulary development and confidence in expressing ideas.
Bringing stories to life
Books don't stay on the page.
Stories are extended into many areas of the curriculum through art, dramatic play, music, science, cooking and outdoor experiences. After reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the children enthusiastically recreated the caterpillar's journey through role play, acting out the different foods it ate before transforming into a beautiful butterfly.
Experiences like these allow children to connect literature with hands-on learning while strengthening their understanding through play.
Fiction and non-fiction are equally important
One of the most important features of the literacy programme is the equal value placed on both fiction and non-fiction books.
Marianne believes children benefit enormously from exploring factual texts that deepen their understanding of the world around them. As projects emerge, families are encouraged to contribute books from home, while teachers gather a wide range of resources to support children's inquiries.
During a recent space project, the children explored non-fiction books filled with photographs of real planets, rockets, astronauts and galaxies. Seeing authentic images helped bring their learning to life, sparked meaningful conversations and inspired further questions and investigations.
When children are surrounded by rich literacy experiences, caring adults who model a love of reading, and books that reflect both their interests and the wider world, they develop not only strong early literacy skills but also a genuine love of reading that can last a lifetime.
Top authors
Some of Marianne's favourite authors include:
- Dr Seuss
Books recommended for learning and development
Marianne recommends choosing fiction books that align with a child's individual interests.Β
For example, children fascinated by construction machinery, favourites include Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker and The Little Yellow Digger by Betty Gilderdale.
She also recommends high-quality non-fiction books featuring real photographs and fascinating facts, such as Lonely Planet Kids' The Rocks Book, to spark curiosity and encourage children to ask questions.
Curriculum-inspired books, including If Only by Mies van Hout and James Mayhew's Katie and the Starry Night, also help children explore creativity while introducing them to art and the wider world.
There are so many books
When asked which books children request time and time again, Marianne says these favourites consistently capture their attention.
Interactive and repetitive stories
- We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
- Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
Funny favourites
- The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
- Oi Frog! by Kes Gray
Animal stories
- Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd
- Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
- Fidgety Fish by Ruth Galloway
Best advice for parents reading at home
"Read, read, read to your children at every opportunity, especially at bedtime."
Marianne believes the greatest gift you can give a child is a love of books. Reading together every day, even for just 10 to 15 minutes, helps build language, imagination, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
She also shares these simple ways to support your child's reading journey at home:
- Read every day.
- Read favourite books again and again.
- Talk about the story and ask questions.
- Let your child choose the books.
- Make reading fun with different voices and expressions.
- Point to the words as you read.
- Explore the illustrations together.
- Be a reading role model.
Most importantly, Marianne says children will remember the special time spent cuddling up with someone they love and sharing a story together.
Every story you share helps build vocabulary, imagination, confidence and a lifelong love of learning, one page at a time.
Quick Fire Picks
Favourite Picture Book: Sharing A Shell by Julia Donaldson
Funniest Read Aloud: Do Not Open This Book by Andy Lee
Best Bedtime Book: Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
Best Book to Get the Class Engaged: We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
Favourite New Zealand Author: Nikki Slade Robinson
Hidden Gem: Captain Cat & The Long Drop by Joan Joass
One Book Every Preschooler Should Own: A Classic Treasury by Dr Seuss.