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Teacher’s Guide

Superhero RaceReading Adventure

readers

How To Make Learning To Read Fun For Every Child In The Early Years

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Superhero RaceReading Adventure

How To Make Learning To Read Fun For Every Child In The Early Years

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© 2017 by Wriggly Readers. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any written, electronic, recording, or photocopying without written permission of the publisher or author. The exception would be in the case of brief quotations embodied in the critical articles or reviews and pages where permission is specifically granted by the publisher or author.

Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for damages that may result from the use of information contained within.

Publisher: Wriggly ReadersFirst Edition

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ContentsIntroduction 7

How It Works 9

1. Say Hello To Super Chomper! 10

2. Story Time 10

3. Play The Game 12

4. Reward Reading 14

5. Extend The Learning 14

Classroom Resources 15

Masks 16

Storytelling Stick Puppets 17

Colouring Pictures 18

Song Book 19

Label The Superhero 20

I Spy With My Little Eye 21

Sentence Sorters 22

Ka-Pow Flash Cards 23

Training Game 24

Writing Paper 25

Home Learning 27

Reading Adventure 28

Word Cards 29

Chomper’s Tricky Words 30

Reading Race 31

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Introduction

Dear dedicated teacher,

Congratulations for joining the Wriggly Readers Club and welcome aboard!

I’m excited to say that you’re one of the lucky teachers to be holding this magic ‘key’ in your hands - a book bursting with creative reading resources so that you can use easily to unlock jaw-dropping progress for every little reader in your class, even the ones who struggle or show no interest in wanting to read at school or at home.

As a teacher myself with over 10 years experience in Early Years and Key Stage One education, I know how important it is to teach phonics from a young age so that children can develop their letter and word recognition, comprehension skills, fluency and confidence in reading. I also know how impotant it is to make this as fun, play-based and enjoyable as possible so that children can reach life’s ultimate reading goal: to choose to read for pleasure and find reading fun.

The practical activities I’m going to share with you will change the attitude that your children and their parents have towards reading, creating so many happy memories together along the way. By following my tried and tested strategy, you’ll be able to help each and every child in your class, not only to read, but to love to read.

I can’t wait for your children to get started!

Hannah Angrave

Founder of Wriggly Readers

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How It Works

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2. Story Time

Super Chomper has come to your school to deliver a shiny golden envelope. It contains a very important letter for you to read out loud to the children, either in a small group or 1:1, which tells them about an urgent mission that they need to go on. The Big Bad Rat is turning everyone into cheese with his evil super powers, so it’s up to Super Chomper to save the day... but he can’t do it without your help!

Take a closer look inside the box and you will find some masks. The children will need to train to be superheroes so that they can capture the rat once and for all.

1. Say Hello To Super Chomper!

Meet Super Chomper, a little pet rabbit with a secret super power...

This hand puppet is specifically designed to be used as a teaching prop at the beginning of the session to engage with the children, capture their imagination and promote speaking and listening skills.

By getting into character, they will feel like an important part of the story which will motivate them to read.

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Storytelling Tips

Develop your children’s listening and comprehension skills by asking them questions about the story at the end, for example...

What was the cat’s superhero name?

What was the setting? (Where did the story take place?)

Who was the letter from?

What super power did the hamster have?

Why are the superheroes having a race?

What kind of pet is Super Chomper?

What words can you think of to describe the Big Bad Rat?

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3. Play The Game

Now that your children are dressed up as superheroes, they can start their super power training by running a race!

Game Instructions

1. Unfold the board game and place it on a flat surface.

2. Choose which reading level you need for your child or group.

3. Place the cards in the rectangular box in the middle of the board, making sure the trophy is facing up.

4. Place your counters on the ‘start’ banner ready for the race to begin.

5. Take it in turns to have a go. You must first pick up a word card and read it (don’t forget to encourage your child to use their phonics to sound it out if it’s an unfamiliar word).

6. When they read the word correctly, they can then roll the dice and move their counter the correct number of steps.

7. The first player to reach the finish line wins the race and catches the Big Bad Rat!

Zoomforward 3 steps

Follow the paw prints

Run to the ball

Have another go

Nap time! Miss a go

Dinner time! Fly to the

bowl

Hop back 2 steps

Crawl back 1 step

readers

Jump back 1 step

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There are 3 different levels of word cards so you will need to choose which one matches your children’s reading ability.

Take a look at the coloured boxes below to help you decide which level is right for your child or group.

1 2 3

It’s important to work at the right level in order to consolidate existing phonic knowledge, give them an appropriate challenge and boost their confidence and enjoyment of reading. But more importantly, the main thing is to have fun and create happy memories of playing and learning together!

Here are a few examples of the learning included in each level.

Reading with increased fluency and expression Complex words and sentences to develop comprehension skills

Yellow banded books or higher

Working within phase 4 phonics taught in schools

Secure at reading pink cards in Level 1 Vowel digraph recognition (e.g. sh, ai, ee)

Reading longer words and sentences

Red banded books

Working within phase 3 phonics taught in schools

Beginning to learn to read

Letter recognition Reading simple words and short sentences

Pink banded books

Working within phase 1 or 2 phonics taught in schools

1 2 3

mat turn strong

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5. Extend The Learning

The fun doesn’t have to stop when the game finishes. This Reading Adventure is full of so many other hands-on activities to make learning to read a happy and memorable experience. Take a look at all the other classroom activities and irresistable home learning challenges on the next pages...

4. Reward Reading

Don’t forget to reward your child’s brilliant reading at the end with a super certificate! You can personalise it by writing their name on the top line, as well as who it’s from and the date at the bottom.

There are also some stickers included to make them feel extra proud of all their hard work. You could use them during the game or at the end. Giving your child regular praise will really do wonders for their self confidence and willingness to read.

Children will make accelerated progress if they continue to practise reading on a regular basis, at home

and at school.

Super Reading!To

Signed

Date

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super reading

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Classroom Resources

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Masks

This creative resource will encourage children to act out their own superhero stories in the role play area. They are so simple to make and a great way to practise cutting skills too.

Activity Type: CreativeUsed For: Independent, 1:1 or group

workApprox Time: 15 minutesSkills: Fine motor, cutting skills,

imaginative play.

You will need:

• Printable ‘Masks’ templates

• Pencil crayons or felt tips

• Scissors

• Sellotape or glue

• Hole punch

• Ribbon (cut into 2 equal size pieces)

Each mask comes with printable decorations for the children to cut

out and stick on.

Superhero Maskreaders

Cut out the superhero mask and decorate it.

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Storytelling Stick Puppets

This simple stick puppet activity is so much fun to do and helps to develop a wide range of skills, both during the making stage and during the playing afterwards. Can your children think of their own action packed stories and put on a puppet show for an audience to watch?

Activity Type: CreativeFor: Independent, 1:1 or group

workApprox Time: 10 minutesSkills: Fine motor, cutting skills,

language development, imaginative play.

You will need:

• Printable ‘Storytelling Stick Puppets’

• Scissors

• Lollipop sticks or straws

• Sellotape

It’s a good idea to print the stick puppets on card or laminate them to make them stronger.

Storytelling Stick Puppets readers

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Colouring Pictures

Children love colouring in, so that’s why we’ve even included some special pictures for them to decorate. There are lots more to print out in the online member’s area which include all the characters from the story.

Activity Type: CreativeFor: Independent, 1:1 or group

workApprox Time: 5 minutesSkills: Fine motor skills,

communication and language development

You will need:

• Printable ‘Colouring Pictures’

• Pencil crayons or felt tips

These detailed pictures will get your little ones talking about all the things they can see. It’s the perfect starting

point to improve communication and language skills.

readers

readers

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Song Book

Singing does wonders for children’s Literacy skills as they develop an awareness of the sounds in spoken words, such as rhyme and alliteration. So get your singing voices ready and give your class a lifetime love of language with our action packed song book!

There are 4 catchy songs to learn and each one is to the tune of a familiar Nursery Rhyme:

• 3 Superheroes

• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... Once I Caught A Villain Alive

• Fly, Fly, Fly Heroes

• 10 Superheroes Running In A Rcae

Activity Type: CreativeFor: Small group or whole classApprox Time: 10 minutesSkills: Language skills, speaking

and listening skills

You will need:

• Printable ‘Song Book’

• Instruments (optional)

Can your children help you to make up some

actions for the lyrics?

Superheroes

1. 3 Superheroes

2. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I Caught A Villian Alive

3. Fly, Fly, Fly Heroes

4. 10 Superheroes Running In A Race

Song Book

readers

Fly, Fly, Fly Heroes

Tune: Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Fly, fly, fly heroes,Quickly in the sky,If you see an evil villain,Don’t forget to cry.

Fly, fly, fly heroes,Up above the stream,If you see an evil villain,Don’t forget to scream.

Fly, fly, fly heroes,You are very brave,If you see an evil villain,Don’t forget to wave! (waving action)

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Label the Superhero readers

Label The Superhero

For this cut and stick activity, your children can enjoy labelling the different parts of a superhero.

Activity Type: Non-fiction writingFor: IndependentApprox Time: 10 minutesSkills: Pencil control, phonics,

letter formation, cutting skills

You will need:

• Printable ‘Label the Superhero’ sheets

• Pencil

• Scissors and glue

Choose from two differentiated sheets depending on the ability

of each child. Either cut and stick the words in the right

place or use exciting adjectives to write their own labels as a

challenge.

Label the Superhero readers

maskbeltboots

gloves cape star

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I Spy With My Little Eye

This game is just the thing for developing children’s language and communication skills. It will stir their curiosity and spark conversations as they explore the tiny pictures with their friends.

Activity Type: Language and communication

For: Independent or 1:1Approx Time: 5 minutesSkills: Speaking skills,

language development, observational skills

You will need:

• Printable ‘I Spy With My Little Eye’ sheet

• Magnifying glass

You could also use it as a one-to-one activity to help EAL children or those that

are below average with their speaking skills. Use it to broaden vocabulary, boost

speaking confidence or follow simple instructions, e.g. find me something

yellow/beginning with the letter ‘f’ etc.

I Spy With My Little Eyereaders

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Sentence Sorters

Our Sentence Sorters help children to orally rehearse a sentence and put the words in the right order. It can be used in so many different ways, either independently on the writing table, during a focused Literacy lesson or even sent home as home learning for additional support.

Sentence Sorter

Cut out the words and stick them in the right order underneath the picture.

readers

is Therat

bad.

1Level

Sentence SorterCut out the words and stick them in the right order underneath the picture.

readers

2Level

zoom downwill the path.He

Sentence Sorter

Cut out the words and stick them in the right order underneath the picture.

readers

3Level

little

hamster

isstrong. so

This

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Ka-Pow Flash Cards

These superhero flash cards cover all the letters and sounds that your children are learning in phase 2 and phase 3 phonics. Perfect to use during a speedy sounds recap at the beginning of a phonics lesson or incorporate them into one of our active games... boom, zap, ka-pow!

Put your ka-pow flash cards to good use by playing the superhero

‘Training Game’. Check out the instructions on the next page.

areaders

creaders

chreaders

ngreaders

threaders

shreaders

Letters and Sounds

Phase 3

readers

creaders

t

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This game is a really fun and active way to sneak in some extra reading practise while the children are playing and having fun. It’s definitely one that they will want to play again and again!

Training Game

Instructions

1. Login to the online member’s area, print off the ‘Ka-Pow Flash Cards’ and laminate them for durability.2. Set up an obstacle course with large construction (e.g. cones to weave in and out of, a plank of wood balanced on top of two crates to walk along etc). 3. As part of the obstacle course, set up a line of 3 hoops. Place a flash card next to each one.4. Children have to jump or hop into each hoop and say each sound as they go.5. After they have said all three sounds, they need to blend them together to read the word.

Activity Type: PhysicalFor: Outside area, field or

playground.Approx Time: 10 minutesSkills: Letter and sound

recognition, oral blending and segmenting, gross motor skills, team work.

You will need:

• Laminated ‘Ka-Pow Flash Cards’

• Large construction

• Sand timer or stop watch (optional)

• Superhero masks (optional)

Once you’ve modelled it, why not leave the resources in the outside

area for your children to initiate the game themselves.

c a t

cat

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Writing Paper

Children need lots of opportunities to practise their writing skills in new and exciting ways. Our colourful paper will get them writing with interest and enthusiasm. Whether it’s guided by a teacher or completely child initiated, your children will love using the themed paper to write their own super stories, lists, invitations and more! There are three differentiated writing templates to match the needs of children’s abilities.

Activity Type: WritingFor: Independent, 1:1 or guided

workSkills: Pencil control, letter

formation, phonics skills, creative writing

Children are more eager to write if they choose to do it themselves. How about putting the paper on clipboards in the

superhero role play?

readers

readers

readers

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Home Learning

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Reading Adventure

It’s so important for children to practise reading at home, that’s why our Superhero Reading Adventure comes as a handy printable for every child to play with their family. We know how much children love playing games and having fun, so we’ve made learning to read just as fun. This irresistable home learning activity will motivate even the most reluctant reader and will amaze you and your parents with how much more they want to read at home!

Activity Type: ReadingFor: Home learning (small group

or 1:1)Approx Time: 20 minutesSkills: Listening and concentration

skills, rhyming words, comprehension skills, phonics, blending and segmenting

You will need to send home:

• Printable ‘Letter From Super Chomper’

• Printable board (there is the option to doanload a black and white version to save ink)

• Printable word cards (page 29)

Don’t forget to send home the printable spinner, counters and

instructions too.

Zoomforward 3 steps

Follow the

paw prints

Run to the ball

Have another go

Nap time!

Miss a go

Dinner time!

Fly to the bowl

Hop back

2 steps

Crawl back

1 step

readers

Jump back

1 step

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Word Cards

You will need to choose the right level of ability that matches the child’s

individual needs.

flag spin plum stop lamp

melt next burnt shelf start

bench frown grunt shrink frost

blink slept stairs strong printer

windmill groaning fifteen afraid lunchbox

3LevelWord Cardsreaders

quit chill thing main week

sight book soon card short

hurt soil pure hear rang

nail chain fight load corn

fear airport farmer turn wish

2LevelWord Cardsreaders

fog bell van sad cut

mess win peg huff mat

jet lap nod rub sip

wax yuck zigzag not fix

sip net pop jug dot

1LevelWord Cardsreaders

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Chomper’s Tricky Words

This fun activity will help children to recognise and read tricky words automatically. Whether they’re working in Phase 2, 3 or 4 phonics, you’ll be able to pop one of these in their book bag to do at home to help them become more fluent and confident with their reading.

Chomper’s Tricky Words readers

Read a tricky word and write it in the carrot. Then colour in the picture when you have finished.

3Level

saidone

have

whatso

there

come

like

werelittle

do

out

some

when

Chomper’s Tricky Words readers

Read a tricky word and write it in the carrot. Then colour in the picture when you have finished.

2Level

was

he

she

we

me

be

my

you

her

all

are

they

Chomper’s Tricky Wordsreaders

Read a tricky word and write it in the carrot underneath. Then colour in the picture!

to I

Level 1

go

the

into

no

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Reading Race

At Wriggly Readers, our mission is to make learning to read fun for children so that they can make leaps of progress, and this phonics game ticks all those boxes!

This engaging activity is designed specifically to help children working within Phase 2 phonics. It comes with a handy instruction sheet so that your child and their parents know exactly what to do at home.

s a t p i n

Instructions

1. Cut out the letter cards and the superhero counter. 2. Put one letter in each box to make a word. 3. Use the counter to jump along the race track (left to right), saying each sound as you go. 4. Blend the sounds together to read the word, e.g. s - i - t sit

Reading Racereaders

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