Nan's Sports Car
What’s inside...
Nan's Sports Car is part of the Red Squirrel Phonics Level 5 Set 2c, which is designed to help young readers develop their phonics skills. The story revolves around Nan and her shiny new sports car. As she drives around town, she encounters different adventures and characters that challenge her problem-solving abilities and her understanding of friendship.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Nan feel when she first got her sports car, and what does that tell us about trying new things?
What are the different ways Nan used her sports car? Can you think of another fun activity Nan could do with her car?
Why do you think everyone was surprised when they saw Nan in her sports car?
How did Nan's adventure with the sports car change the way people thought about her?
If you had a sports car like Nan, where would you go and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize the excitement and joy conveyed in the story, and relate it to times when your child tried something new.
Encourage your child to imagine additional adventures or stories, boosting their creativity and storytelling skills.
Discuss the theme of defying expectations and how age does not limit one’s capabilities or fun.
Use the story as a conversation starter about respecting and appreciating elders' experiences and contributions.
Connect the story’s scenarios to real-life experiences to help your child draw parallels and deepen understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Nan's Sports Car', Nan teaches her grandchild to take care of her prized sports car, emphasizing the importance of being responsible for someone else's belongings.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of taking care of their own and others’ possessions, fostering a sense of responsibility that can be applied at home or in school.
Example Lesson: Generosity
Explanation: Nan allows her grandchild to ride and eventually drive her sports car, demonstrating selflessness and sharing.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to share their own toys and belongings with friends and siblings, promoting harmonious play and interaction.
Example Lesson: Safety
Explanation: The book covers the importance of wearing seat belts and driving safely, which is an important aspect when Nan’s grandchild gets to drive the car.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of safety measures like using seat belts in cars or wearing helmets while biking, which are crucial for their protection.
Example Lesson: Respect for Elders
Explanation: The grandchild listens to Nan’s instructions and stories, learning to respect and value the wisdom of an older generation.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in children's interactions with grandparents and older adults, encouraging them to listen and learn from their experiences and advice.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment of Physical Activities
Explanation: Nan and her grandchild spend a lot of time outdoors with the sports car, highlighting the joy of outdoor activities.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to spend more time outside, engaging in physical activities rather than indoor, screen-based entertainment.