The Bus
What’s inside...
Join young adventurers on a magical bus ride through enchanted lands and encounter whimsical creatures while facing exciting challenges. Discover the world of Alphablocks, based on the CBBC TV series, containing four fiction books to encourage early reading for children ages 4-5. Explore Bug Club Phonics, a Department for Education-approved phonics teaching program that provides research-based methods for reading success. The books, 100% decodable, help children start their reading journey and include helpful notes for parents to support their child's learning at home.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
8 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters on the bus feel during their journey? Can you describe their emotions?
What do you think is the most exciting part about riding a bus? Why?
If you were to draw your own bus, who would you invite for a ride and where would you go?
What lessons can we learn from the way the characters interacted on the bus?
How do you think the story would change if the bus took a different route? What new things might the characters see or do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they expect to happen in the story based on the cover and title. This primes their imagination for the themes of the book.
During reading, pause at key moments to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they might do next. This enhances their empathy and prediction skills.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite part of the story. This helps deepen their understanding and retention of the story.
Use the story as a starting point to discuss your child's own experiences or dreams about bus rides or adventures, relating the story to their personal world.
Encourage your child to think of an alternative ending or continuation of the story, fostering their creativity and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, the characters take turns caring for the bus, emphasizing the importance of being responsible for communal property.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking responsibility for their own belongings and shared spaces at home or school.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the characters work together to navigate the bus through various challenges, highlighting the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of cooperating with peers in group projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Respecting Rules
Explanation: The characters follow specific rules while on the bus, which ensures everyone's safety and well-being.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of abiding by rules set by parents, teachers, or guardians to maintain order and safety.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: When the bus encounters obstacles, the characters use critical thinking and creativity to solve problems.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop their problem-solving skills in academic assignments or in resolving everyday conflicts.
Example Lesson: Kindness and Inclusivity
Explanation: The story includes various characters who are welcomed onto the bus, teaching the themes of kindness and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be inclusive and kind to all peers, regardless of their differences, fostering a supportive community environment.