Oxford Reading Tree: Stage 11: TreeTops: Bertha's Secret Battle
English Reading Tree Series
What’s inside...
Treetops is Oxford Reading Tree's new series of fiction with built-in progression for pupils aged 7 to 11. Specially written for children who need the support of carefully monitored language levels, the stories are accessible, motivating, and humorous. The series is organized into Oxford Reading Tree Stages (from Stage 10 to Stage 14), with each stage introducing more complex narrative forms, including flashbacks and changes in viewpoint; descriptive writing;
extended reading vocabulary; and more pages, more text, and fewer illustrations.
Each stage is supported by the Teacher's Guide, which offers guidance on using Treetops to assess children's reading ability, and includes a variety of activities (comprehension. writing for a range of audiences and in different forms, discussion and role play) many on photocopiable sheets.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Bertha so determined to take on her secret battle?
How do you think Bertha felt when she was facing challenges?
What qualities do you admire in Bertha, and why?
Can you think of a time when you had to do something difficult and how you handled it?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with Bertha’s challenges and victories, building empathy and self-reflection.
Discuss the historical context of the story to enhance understanding of the character's motivations and the significance of their actions.
Praise your child’s insights and encourage them to think about how they can apply the lessons from the book in their own lives.
Use the discussion to delve into the importance of courage and resilience, which are central themes of the book.
Relate conversations back to personal growth and overcoming obstacles, stressing that every challenge is an opportunity for development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Bertha's Secret Battle showcases the protagonist's perseverance in overcoming obstacles while striving to do what's right. Despite facing challenges, Bertha remains determined and resilient throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying and not give up when they encounter difficulties, whether it's solving a tough math problem or learning a new skill in sports.
Example Lesson: Integrity
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of honesty and moral uprightness as Bertha struggles with secrets and the right course of action. Her journey highlights how integrity shapes her choices.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply the principle of integrity by being truthful and fair in their daily interactions with family, friends, and at school.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Bertha's interactions reveal her ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which is crucial in her secret battle. This empathetic approach helps resolve conflicts and forge stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by considering other people's feelings and perspectives, aiding in better communication and understanding among peers.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The book highlights the courage needed to confront difficult situations and make tough decisions, as shown when Bertha faces her challenges head-on.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face fears and speak up about what matters to them, whether it’s standing up against bullying or expressing their own needs and opinions.