The big box: (Red Squirrel Phonics Level 3)
Red Squirrel Phonics Series
What’s inside...
Follow the adventures of a group of animals as they discover the importance of friendship and cooperation when they find a big mysterious box in the forest. Red Squirrel Phonics is a decodable readers series from Raintree, designed to teach children phonics skills sequentially and systematically. In this Level 3 book, children come up with ideas to use a big cardboard box and with Mum's help, they build a hut big enough for all three to sleep in. The programme ensures every beginner reader experiences success from their very first book by using words they can read and applying phonics skills in appealing, decodable texts.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters wanted the big box? What would you do with a big box?
How did the characters work together in the story? Can you think of a time when you worked together with someone?
What were some of the problems the characters faced, and how did they solve them?
How do you think the story would change if the box was small instead of big?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences. Ask them if they have ever received a big box and what they did with it.
Discuss teamwork by asking them about times they had to collaborate with others and the outcome of that collaboration.
Challenge your child’s problem-solving skills by discussing the obstacles the characters faced and asking how they might solve a similar problem differently.
After reading, encourage creativity by giving your child a box and asking them to brainstorm different uses or play scenarios with it, similar to the characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'The big box', the animals must work together to find out what’s inside the big box, demonstrating that teamwork is essential in solving problems.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or helping their siblings at home, learning that cooperation can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book portrays the characters exploring something unknown, which fosters a sense of curiosity and adventure.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore new subjects, ask questions, and delve into learning new skills, nurturing their sense of discovery.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: As the characters interact with the big box, they come up with different theories and methods to open it, showcasing problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach their daily challenges, such as puzzles or conflicts with peers, with a problem-solving mindset.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The story teaches that sometimes patience is required to achieve a goal, as the animals realize that immediate answers may not be available.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of waiting and being patient in real-life situations such as waiting for their turn, or when working on slow-progress tasks like learning a new sport or instrument.