Gus and Tex: Red Squirrel Phonics Level 4 Set 2
Red Squirrel Phonics Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The story follows Gus and Tex, two adventurous squirrels, as they explore their forest home, facing challenges and making new friends along the way. Their curiosity and courage lead them to learn valuable lessons about friendship, trust, and the importance of teamwork.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Gus and Tex might do next after their adventure?
How do you feel about the choices Gus and Tex made in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Gus and Tex help each other?
What was your favorite part of the book, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, skim the book together and predict what the story might be about based on the cover and title.
While reading, pause at pivotal moments and ask your child to guess what might happen next, helping them to engage actively with the plot.
Encourage your child to express their opinions on the characters' decisions, fostering critical thinking.
Discuss the key themes of friendship and teamwork. Ask your child to relate these themes to their personal experiences.
After reading, help your child connect the story's events and lessons to their everyday life, enhancing comprehension and recall.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Developing Phonics Skills
Explanation: Gus and Tex: Red Squirrel Phonics Level 4 Set 2 employs an interactive and engaging story-telling method to help children associate sounds with symbols, enhancing their phonics awareness and reading skills.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this skill to improve their reading proficiency, making it easier for them to read other books and academic content.
Example Lesson: Understanding Cause and Effect
Explanation: Through the narrative, children learn to connect events and their outcomes, which enhances their logical thinking.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children in making better decisions and understanding the consequences of their actions in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Enhancing Vocabulary
Explanation: As children read through the adventures of Gus and Tex, they are introduced to new words which are explained in context, broadening their vocabulary.
Real-World Application: A richer vocabulary allows children to express themselves more clearly and understand more complex instructions or information in school and other learning environments.
Example Lesson: Fostering Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The vivid illustrations and creative scenarios in the book stimulate the imagination, encouraging children to think beyond the ordinary.
Real-World Application: Enhanced creativity aids children in problem-solving and can inspire them to engage in creative writing or artistic activities themselves.