Get fit, Dan! (Red Squirrel Phonics Level 2)
Red Squirrel Phonics Series
What’s inside...
In 'Get fit, Dan!', young readers follow the story of Dan, a squirrel who is encouraged by his friends to lead a healthier lifestyle. Throughout his journey, Dan learns the importance of exercise and good nutrition. This engaging narrative supports early readers in developing their phonetic skills while promoting positive health habits. Red Squirrel Phonics is a new series of decodable readers from Raintree, packed with real stories using words that children can read. The programme teaches children phonics skills in a sequential and systematic way so that they can learn the sounds (phonemes) and the letters that represent them (graphemes) and then practise and apply this knowledge through reading appealing, decodable texts that make sense. This ensures that every beginner reader will experience success in their reading from their very first book! In this Level 2 book, Sam organizes Dan to get fit by guiding him through a fitness circuit.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Dan felt when he started his fitness journey?
What are some activities Dan did to get fit? Which one would you like to try?
Why is it important for Dan to stay healthy and fit?
How did Dan's friends help him in his fitness journey?
What did you learn from Dan's story that you can use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they feel about fitness and health, relating it back to Dan’s experiences in the book.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their personal experiences and Dan’s activities, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and setting goals, using Dan’s achievements as a motivational example.
Highlight the role of friendship and support in achieving personal goals, prompting your child to think about who their supporters are.
Suggest doing a physical activity together inspired by Dan’s story, turning the discussion into a practical and fun experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of physical activity
Explanation: In 'Get fit, Dan!', Dan learns about different activities and the benefits of staying active.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to participate in physical activities, whether in school sports, playground time, or family outings, fostering a healthier lifestyle.
Example Lesson: Setting achievable goals
Explanation: Dan sets a goal to improve his fitness. This teaches children about setting personal goals and working towards them.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to set simple, achievable goals at home or school, such as completing a puzzle, reading a book, or mastering a new skill, which can boost their confidence and determination.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and commitment
Explanation: Throughout the book, Dan faces challenges but remains committed to his fitness goals, showing perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of staying committed to their tasks, whether in completing homework, practicing a musical instrument, or participating in team sports.
Example Lesson: Learning from others
Explanation: Dan learns about fitness through guidance from friends and family, emphasizing the value of learning from others.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to seek advice and learn from parents, teachers, and peers which helps in their personal and educational growth.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment in healthy habits
Explanation: The book portrays fitness as a fun and enjoyable activity rather than a chore, encouraging a positive attitude towards health.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to view healthy eating and exercise as enjoyable parts of life, leading to lifelong habits of wellness.