Red Squirrel Phonics Teachers' Book Levels 4-7
Red Squirrel Phonics Series
What’s inside...
This teacher's guide is designed to help educators effectively teach phonics to young readers using the Red Squirrel Phonics program. Levels 4-7 focus on advancing students' reading skills through engaging lessons, activities, and assessments.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the characters in the story feel happy or excited?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to one of the characters?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the main character?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the story, try to relate the events and characters to real-life situations the child might encounter, making the discussion more relatable.
Encourage the child to imagine alternate endings or scenarios in the story, which aids in creative thinking.
Ask questions that require more than a yes or no response to encourage the child to express their thoughts fully.
Show genuine interest in the child’s opinions and feelings about the story to make them feel valued and heard.
Use the story as a springboard to discuss new words and meanings, enhancing vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Patience
Explanation: Through the structured phonics lessons, children learn the value of patience as they progressively master more complex sounds and reading skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of taking time to learn new skills, which can be applied in academic settings or even when learning new activities like sports or music.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: As the book is intended for use in a classroom setting, it encourages children to work together, helping and learning from each other during group reading sessions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply teamwork in group projects, during play, and in family activities, learning the importance of cooperation and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Confidence Building
Explanation: By advancing through levels, children build confidence in their reading abilities, reinforced by positive feedback from teachers and peers.
Real-World Application: This confidence can translate to other areas of their life, encouraging them to take on new challenges and believe in their capabilities.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The phonics challenges in the book require children to think critically and solve problems, such as decoding new words.
Real-World Application: Skills in critical thinking and problem-solving are fundamental in academic success and everyday decision-making.