In the pit: (Red Squirrel Phonics Level 1)
#1 in Red Squirrel Phonics Series
What’s inside...
A delightful story of a young squirrel named Sammy who overcomes his fear of the dark while exploring a mysterious pit with his friends. 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 1 book, Sid is having a quiet nap in the sandpit. Then Pam gets in and the boys. Sid is not happy and lets everyone know.
Discussion points
What do you think the different animals in the pit might feel like?
Why do you think the animals ended up in the pit?
How do you think the story would change if there was another animal in the pit?
What would you do if you were one of the animals in the pit?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use an animated voice when discussing the various animals in the story to make them come alive for your child. Relate the emotions of the animals to feelings your child may have experienced, such as surprise or curiosity, to deepen their understanding and empathy. Encourage your child to imagine different scenarios by asking 'what if' questions related to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story shows a red squirrel working diligently to collect and store nuts despite various obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting with their tasks, like completing homework or chores, even when faced with challenges.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the red squirrel encounters several problems that require creative solutions, like navigating around barriers.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and find solutions to their own problems, whether it's figuring out a puzzle or resolving a dispute with a peer.
Example Lesson: Importance of preparation
Explanation: The red squirrel prepares for the winter by gathering food in advance, demonstrating foresight and planning.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by planning their activities or packing their school bags the night before to avoid morning rushes.