Andrew and Sue make a kite
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
This book is part of the Red Squirrel Phonics series, designed to teach children phonics skills in a fun and practical way. In this Level 6 book, readers follow the story of Andrew and Sue as they learn how to design and create their own kite. Along the way, they face challenges and excitement, ultimately experiencing the joy of watching their kite fly. The narrative incorporates decodable texts that align with the phonics skills being taught, ensuring a successful reading experience for beginners.
Age
4-8
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Andrew
Sue
Discussion points
What do you think Andrew and Sue felt when they finished making their kite?
Why do you think teamwork was important for Andrew and Sue in building their kite?
How do you think the story would have changed if Andrew or Sue had given up?
Can you think of a time when you worked together with someone else to create something? How did it make you feel?
If you were to add another character to the story, who would it be and what role would they play in helping Andrew and Sue?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them about times they have worked together with others.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and teamwork, as demonstrated by Andrew and Sue, and discuss its value in daily life.
Pose hypothetical scenarios to your child based on the book’s themes and ask how they would react in similar situations.
Engage in a creative activity, such as building or crafting something together, to practically connect the story's theme to real-world actions.
Use expressive reading to make the story more engaging, changing your voice for different characters and emphasizing moments of excitement or challenge.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Andrew and Sue work together to design, build, and ultimately fly a kite. This process requires them to share ideas, solve problems, and cooperate efficiently.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others to achieve a common goal, which can be applied in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The book showcases how Andrew and Sue use their imagination to come up with a unique kite design, encouraging creative thinking and innovation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative activities like drawing, building, or inventing, fostering creative thinking skills that are invaluable in real-world problem solving.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, Andrew and Sue encounter several challenges, but they persist and keep trying until their kite successfully flies.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of persistence and resilience in overcoming obstacles, whether they’re struggling with a difficult task or facing challenges in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Planning and Execution
Explanation: The characters demonstrate the importance of planning as they gather materials, sketch designs, and execute their plan to create the kite.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the benefit of planning before starting any task or project, which can improve their organizational skills and follow-through.
Example Lesson: Joy in Shared Success
Explanation: When the kite finally takes flight, Andrew and Sue share a moment of joy and accomplishment, highlighting the shared joy of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Illustrates the importance of celebrating achievements with others, fostering a sense of community and shared satisfaction among peers.