On the wind: (Red Squirrel Phonics Level 5 Set 2b)
Red Squirrel Phonics Series
What’s inside...
A young squirrel named Sammy embarks on an unexpected adventure when a gust of wind sweeps him away from his family. As he navigates through unfamiliar territories, Sammy learns invaluable lessons and meets new friends who help him find his way back home.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the squirrel felt when the wind picked up? Can you describe a time you felt something similar?
What do you think could happen next if the story continued after the wind stopped?
Why is the wind important in the story, and how does it change things for the squirrel?
What would you do if you were the squirrel in the story and faced the same challenges?
How do you think the other animals in the forest feel about the wind? Do you think they react the same way as the squirrel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the story in their own words, to gauge their understanding and recall.
Encourage them to think about the emotions of the characters by linking feelings to personal experiences they might have had.
Invite your child to imagine alternative endings or continuations of the story, to spark their creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the moral or lesson of the story, and relate it to real-life situations your child could encounter.
Make connections to physical activities, such as asking your child to act out how they would maneuver in strong wind, to make the discussion dynamic and interactive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: The story showcases characters facing various obstacles but continuing to strive towards their goals, emphasizing the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether in learning new skills, solving problems, or dealing with social situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often collaborate to solve problems, illustrating how working together can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to cooperate with others in school projects, sports, and family activities, understanding that teamwork can achieve greater outcomes.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adapting to changes
Explanation: The narrative may involve characters who adapt to changes or new environments, highlighting flexibility and resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by learning to adapt to changes such as moving to a new school, facing new routines, or dealing with family changes.