Talking Stories

Level 1

In the classroom this week: Re-assess alphabet sounds for every child.  Use the same Alphabet Assessment Sheet that you used before – just add a new date and remember to assess ALL the sounds, even the ones that were recognised last time.  Sometimes children forget!  Send home a copy of the assessment.  It’s important that you and the parents know which children have not yet mastered the alphabet.  NO CHILD WILL MAKE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN READING UNTIL THEY HAVE LEARNT TO SOUND OUT EVERY LETTER OF THE ALPHABET.

Here’s an excellent PowerPoint presentation you can use to revise initial sounds using your interactive whiteboard:
Initial Sounds

This week’s Talking Story focuses on all the things that one small child is learning to do.  You can make your own I am special book in class.  Click on the link to download the lovely photocopiable sheets. 

In the computer lab this week:

Talking Story – Level 1 Core, “I can jump”

This story is about things we can do.  One of the activities is about rhyming words.  You can teach more about rhyming words using this animated poem about a king who loved to have butter for his bread.  It is written by A A Milne, the author of Winnie the Pooh.  I think you and your class will find it very funny!
The King’s Breakfast

Level 2

In the classroom this week: This week’s Talking Story is about animals and where they live.  One of the activities helps children to recognise rhyming words.  Why not take this further by playing this beautiful video of that famous animal poem, The Owl and the Pussycat.  This works particularly well on an interactive whiteboard.

Here is a worksheet you can use:
Animal Homes
Here is a printable book:
Animal Moms and Babies

In the computer lab this week:

Talking Story – Level 2 Beginner, “Can fish live in the desert?”

Level 3

In the classroom this week: This week’s Talking Story is about a country hen who takes a trip to the city.  Here is another animated story about the same theme.  It is particularly suited for using on an interactive whiteboard:
Country mouse and city mouse
Follow-up worksheet comparing and contrasting country and city life

In the computer lab this week: 

Talking Story – Level 3 Core, “Helga goes to the city”

Helga goes on a big adventure when she takes a trip to the city.  Here’s another story on a similar theme:
Teddy’s Adventure
Use it as an extension activity in the computer lab or play it on your interactive whiteboard at story time.