Gus: (Red Squirrel Phonics Level 2)
Red Squirrel Phonics Series
What’s inside...
Gus is a brave little red squirrel who embarks on an adventurous journey through the forest to find a new home. Along the way, he encounters various challenges and makes new friends who help him overcome obstacles.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Gus feels when he tries something new? Can you share a time you felt the same?
How did Gus solve his problem in the story? What would you have done in his place?
Why is it important for Gus to keep trying, even when things are hard?
What did you learn from Gus’s adventures?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in a different place, like a city or the beach?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Gus by sharing personal experiences of overcoming challenges, which will make the story more relatable and impactful.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers or unique perspectives they offer during the discussion to promote confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to explore the theme of perseverance and problem-solving, tying it back to real-life situations your child encounters.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to deepen the conversation and encourage critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, Gus the squirrel needs to collect nuts for the winter, demonstrating the importance of planning and taking responsibility for one’s needs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of completing their tasks such as cleaning up after play or doing their homework.
Example Lesson: Value of Hard Work
Explanation: Gus works diligently throughout the story, showing that hard work is essential to achieve goals.
Real-World Application: This can be related to children putting effort in their studies or household chores and recognizing the outcomes of their hard work.
Example Lesson: Developing Problem Solving Skills
Explanation: Gus encounters various challenges in his quest for nuts. The way he addresses these challenges showcases effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply problem-solving skills in their daily life, such as figuring out how to deal with a disagreement with a friend or solving a difficult puzzle.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Friendship
Explanation: Gus sometimes interacts with other animals, highlighting how cooperation and forming friendships can be beneficial.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together and the value of friendships, which can be applied in team activities at school or in sports.