Oxford Reading Tree: Stages 6-10: Robins: Pack 2: the Surprise
Oxford Reading Tree: Stage 3: Sparrows Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Oxford Reading Tree Robins are extension stories designed to help competent readers practice tackling longer and more complex stories. The characters, storylines, and settings are based on life at home, school, and in the community. These stories are available at Stages 6-10 of Oxford Reading Tree and correspond to Book Bands for easy reference. Each pack of 6 stories includes a 24-page Teaching Notes booklet with a Vocabulary Chart listing high frequency words, a Curriculum Coverage Chart for UK regions, and individual notes for comprehension activities, group and independent reading, speaking, listening, and writing. The notes also offer prompts for responding to the story, personal experiences, cross-curricular links, role play, and observing pupils' progress in an easy-to-use layout. The new packs feature fresh covers and reset story text in line with the New Edition Oxford Reading Tree.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the surprise in the story make the characters feel? Have you ever felt the same way?
What would you have done if you were in the place of the main character?
What do you think is the most important message of the story?
Can you think of a different ending for the story? What would it be?
How do you think the characters changed from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster a deeper connection to the story, relate the themes to your child’s personal experiences. Ask questions that not only address the plot but also engage their imagination and empathy. Encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts, and share your own to model reflective thinking. Reinforce the importance of themes like surprise, change, and emotions by discussing similar events in your child's life or other stories they know.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story demonstrates the importance of understanding others' feelings through the surprise planned for a character, highlighting reactions to unexpected kindness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the emotions of their peers and family, fostering a compassionate environment at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the story collaborate to organize a surprise, illustrating how working together can achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to participate in group activities, understanding that collective efforts can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Importance of Planning
Explanation: The book shows characters planning a surprise, teaching the significance of preparation to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the benefits of planning ahead for school projects or family events.
Example Lesson: Joy of Giving
Explanation: The delight of giving and making others happy is a central theme when characters prepare the surprise.
Real-World Application: Children learn the emotional rewards of generosity, encouraging them to share and give in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Handling Disappointment
Explanation: The story covers instances where things don't go as planned, teaching children to handle disappointment gracefully.
Real-World Application: This helps children develop resilience and maintain a positive attitude when facing setbacks in life.