Tap it: Red Squirrel Phonics Level 1
Red Squirrel Phonics Series
What’s inside...
A delightful tale of a young squirrel learning to tap dance in the woods, overcoming challenges, making new friends, and discovering its own rhythm and sounds in nature. Red Squirrel Phonics is a new series of decodable readers from Raintree, packed with real stories using words that children can read. The programme teaches children phonics skills in a sequential and systematic way so that they can learn the sounds (phonemes) and the letters that represent them (graphemes) and then practise and apply this knowledge through reading appealing, decodable texts that make sense. This ensures that every beginner reader will experience success in their reading from their very first book! In this Level 1 book, Dad helps the boys to make a kennel for Pam. He shows them how to use a hammer to tap in the nails.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What sounds did the red squirrel make? Can you try to make them too?
How do you think the red squirrel felt when it was looking for its food? Why?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
What would you do if you met a red squirrel like in the book?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in a different season?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize the scenes by asking them to describe the setting and characters. Praise their efforts to sound out words, fostering a positive reading environment. Relate the story’s themes to your child’s experiences, such as times they have encountered animals or had to look for something important. Use facial expressions and voice modulation to make the reading more dynamic and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Phonemic Awareness
Explanation: Through engaging activities, children are introduced to the sounds of letters, a fundamental step in learning to read.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this knowledge when sounding out words in real-life reading scenarios, enhancing their reading fluency.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: Activities in the book require children to follow step-by-step instructions to complete tasks, promoting attentive listening and understanding.
Real-World Application: This skill is vital in classroom settings, enhancing their ability to follow directions from teachers and peers.
Example Lesson: Building Confidence
Explanation: Successful completion of phonics activities provides a sense of achievement, boosting self-confidence.
Real-World Application: Increased confidence can encourage children to participate more in classroom activities and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book presents opportunities to solve phonics-related puzzles, fostering critical thinking skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach challenges systematically, applying these problem-solving skills to academics and everyday situations.