Read with Oxford: Stage 3: Julia Donaldson's Songbirds: Tim's Bad Mood and Other Stories
Oxford Reading Tree: Songbirds Phonics Series
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
This collection by renowned author Julia Donaldson includes engaging stories that help children develop reading skills. Featuring 'Tim’s Bad Mood,' it explores relatable characters and situations, enhancing phonics skills with seven stories and colorful illustrations. The collection aims to build reading confidence and also provides tips for reading together, focusing on letter patterns and tricky words. Part of the Songbirds phonics programme, it's used in schools to foster a love for reading, offering practical advice and fun activities on oxfordowl.co.uk to support children's progress.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
136 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Tim feel better in 'Tim's Bad Mood'? How do you make yourself feel better when you’re sad or upset?
What are some ways the characters in the stories helped each other? How do we help our friends and family?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would you choose and why?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in a different place, like a beach or a forest?
What was your favorite part of the story and why did it stand out to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the book will be about based on the title and cover. Pause during reading to discuss the characters’ feelings and actions, and ask your child what they might do in similar situations. After reading, connect the story to your child’s experiences by asking if anything similar has ever happened to them, and discuss what they learned from the story. Emphasize the values of empathy and friendship portrayed in the book, and encourage your child to share stories from their own life that relate to these themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Emotional Management
Explanation: In 'Tim's Bad Mood', the story revolves around Tim who is having a tough day and learns to manage his emotions with the help of his friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their feelings and realize that it is okay to ask for help or talk about their emotions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Empathy
Explanation: The stories in this book portray how characters understand and respond to each other's feelings, teaching empathy through their actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others and respond kindly, fostering positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter various problems that they solve using teamwork and communication.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about obstacles they face and explore collaborative solutions with peers or adults.
Example Lesson: Value of Persistence
Explanation: Characters in the book repeatedly face challenges but learn the importance of not giving up easily.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by continuing to attempt solving tasks or learning new skills despite difficulties.