The Pig Pen (Reading Corner Phonics)
What’s inside...
The series aims to support children who are learning to read through phonics, giving them the opportunity to read simple words in print.This book of no more than 50 words, focuses on CVC words with short vowel sounds, plus the words and, the, to.
In this story, lots of animals join Pig for a nap in his pen.... until Rat comes along!
Why read this book
- Enhances phonetic awareness and reading skills.
- Engaging farm-themed story captivates young minds.
- Builds vocabulary through repetitive, easy-to-read sentences.
- Encourages early reading habits in preschoolers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the pigs enjoy most about their pen?
How do you feel when you have a clean or messy room, similar to the pig pen?
Why is it important for the pigs to keep their pen tidy?
What can we learn from the pigs about taking care of our own spaces?
How do you think the story would change if the pigs never cleaned their pen?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about pigs and their living habits to establish a baseline of knowledge.
While reading, pause at key points to ask your child how they predict the story will progress, fostering critical thinking.
After reading, relate the story to your child's personal experiences with cleaning and organizing their own space.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios based on different decisions made by the characters.
Discuss the importance of cooperation and teamwork in chores, drawing parallels from the pigs’ actions in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Pig Pen', the animals work together to clean up their messy surroundings, showcasing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or helping out with household chores, learning the value of working together.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story emphasizes each animal taking responsibility for their part in the mess, teaching kids about accountability.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take responsibility for their actions and spaces, such as cleaning up their room or taking care of their belongings.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in the book come up with a plan to tidy up the pen, demonstrating problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar strategies to tackle issues they face, like resolving conflicts with siblings or figuring out how to manage their time effectively.
Example Lesson: The joy of a clean environment
Explanation: After cleaning, the animals enjoy their clean pen, which highlights the benefits of cleanliness and organization.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate and maintain cleanliness in their environments, understanding that it can lead to a more enjoyable and stress-free space.