Read with Oxford: Stage 5: Winnie and Wilbur: Winnie's Awful Auntie
Winnie And Wilbur Series
What’s inside...
Winnie the Witch's awful auntie comes to visit, determined to stir up trouble. It's up to Winnie and her faithful cat Wilbur to find a way to show her aunt that she's welcome, but her unpleasant antics are not. The book features two hilarious stories with short chapters, 'Winnie the Naughty Niece' and 'Winnie's Awful Auntie', where Auntie Aggie tries to turn Wilbur into a rabbit and Winnie fights back. This Read with Oxford Stage 5 book is designed for children beginning to read independently, with engaging stories, humorous illustrations, tips for parents, and fun after-reading activities. It's part of the Read with Oxford series, which offers leveled reading books to help build children's reading confidence.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Winnie
Wilbur
Winnie'S Auntie
Discussion points
How do you think Winnie felt when her Awful Auntie visited? Can you describe a time when you felt the same way?
What are some ways Winnie tried to deal with her Awful Auntie’s behavior? What would you have done in her place?
Why do you think the author chose the title 'Winnie's Awful Auntie'? How does it reflect what happens in the story?
Can you think of any qualities that Winnie and her Auntie share? How are they different from each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by reading the book together, allowing your child to express their initial reactions. Use empathetic listening to fully understand their point of view. Encourage them to draw parallels between their experiences and Winnie’s, fostering deeper personal connections with the story. Discuss each character’s actions and their consequences to promote critical thinking. Lastly, encourage imaginative thinking by asking what alternative endings they would envision for the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Winnie's interactions with her 'awful' auntie showcase the importance of trying to understand and empathize with others' perspectives, even when they seem difficult.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider why someone may behave a certain way and to approach situations with empathy, improving their social interactions at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Winnie faces various challenges due to her auntie's antics and needs to think of clever and effective ways to resolve them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with their own problems, whether they are big or small.
Example Lesson: The Value of Patience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Winnie has to manage her frustration and practice patience, a skill that ultimately helps her deal with the situation more effectively.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of patience in achieving positive outcomes, which can be applied in their learning processes or while interacting with others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: Despite the challenges, the story highlights the unbreakable bond between family members, encouraging a deeper appreciation for one's relatives.
Real-World Application: This can lead children to value and nurture their relationships with family members, recognizing the importance of family support in their lives.