Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension Year 2 [1 ed.] 9780857474964, 9780857474834

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Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension, Year 2 Charlotte Makhlouf The importance of being able to read for meaning should never be underestimated. The ability to decode text is not enough. It is vital that children understand what they are reading. More importantly, it is fundamental that they enjoy what they are reading, so that they grow up to become lifelong readers.

Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension, Year 2

BRILLIANT PUBLICATIONS: INSPIRING TEACHERS AND CHILDREN

Ages: 5–7yrs

Brilliant Activities for

Reading Comprehension, Year 2 Engaging Stories and Activities to Develop Comprehension Skills

The passages in the Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension series are designed to do just that. They provide children with a variety of engaging, enjoyable texts that will grab their attention, and indeed their teacherʼs attention as well. The types of comprehension passages range from newspaper articles and dialogues, to plays, stories and poems. They gradually increase in difficulty as you progress though the book, and through the series, encouraging children to develop their ability to read for meaning and use a range of strategies to engage with the text. Tasks range from simple factual recall and vocabulary work to more open-ended questions enabling the reader to provide a more personal response. The cross-curricular activities provide a wealth of ideas for extending the passages further and are ideal for fast-finishers.

Other titles in the series Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant

Activities Activities Activities Activities Activities

for for for for for

Reading Reading Reading Reading Reading

Comprehension, Comprehension, Comprehension, Comprehension, Comprehension,

Year Year Year Year Year

1 3 4 5 6

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ebook ISBN: 978-0-85747-490-2

Charlotte Makhlouf

Contents Introduction...................................................................................................................................4 Links to the National Literacy Strategy.........................................................................................5 Cross-curricular Activities.............................................................................................................8 .

Sporty Animals...........................................................................................................................14 Bonfire Night...............................................................................................................................17 Owl and Squirrel.........................................................................................................................20 Mary Mouse................................................................................................................................23 Rubbish Collection.....................................................................................................................26 The Terrible Day.........................................................................................................................29 Racehorses................................................................................................................................32 Pirates........................................................................................................................................35 Stables.......................................................................................................................................38 Girish Patek and the Magic Carpet............................................................................................41 The Magic Kettle........................................................................................................................44 Chalices......................................................................................................................................47 Musicians...................................................................................................................................50 The Talking Cat...........................................................................................................................53 Hoggly School Vegetable Competition.......................................................................................56 Rocket Boy.................................................................................................................................59 Horticultural Show......................................................................................................................62 The Pony Show..........................................................................................................................65 Florists in Maybury.....................................................................................................................68 On the Glacier............................................................................................................................71 Potion for Making Pigs Fly..........................................................................................................74 Tiger’s Birthday...........................................................................................................................77 Vets............................................................................................................................................80 The Potion..................................................................................................................................83 Alien Invasion?...........................................................................................................................86 Birthday Cakes...........................................................................................................................89 Lemonade..................................................................................................................................92 Local Goats Escape from Farm..................................................................................................95 Snagwit Castle...........................................................................................................................98 Blastoes....................................................................................................................................101 The Gumbo Tree......................................................................................................................104 Space Station Lucy..................................................................................................................107 Answers.................................................................................................................................... 110

Brilliant Activities for

Reading Comprehension, Year 2 Engaging Stories and Activities to Develop Comprehension Skills

Charlotte Makhlouf

Brilliant Publications publishes many other practical resource books for primary school teachers, a few of which are listed below. You may find more details on our website: www.brilliantpublications.co.uk. Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension Series Year 1. Year 3. Year 4. Year 5. Year 6. Other publications Brilliant Activities for Persuasive Writing. Brilliant Activities for Reading Non-Fiction. Brilliant Activities for Reading Fiction Speaking and Listening Games Fun with Plays. Fun with Poems. Fun with Action Rhymes and Poems.

Brilliant Publications Unit 10 Sparrow Hall Farm Edlesborough Dunstable Bedfordshire LU6 2ES, UK Tel:

© Text: Charlotte Makhlouf 2012 © Design: Brilliant Publications 2012

2015 digital version by Andrews UK Limited www.andrewsuk.com

01525 222292

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.brilliantpublications.co.uk The name Brilliant Publications and the logo are registered trademarks. Written by Charlotte Makhlouf Illustrated by Calivn Innes, Pat Murray and Frank Endersby Cover illustration by Calvin Innes Front cover designed by Brilliant Publications

The right of Charlotte Makhlouf to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by herself in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Pages 14–118 may be photocopied by individual teachers acting on behalf of the purchasing institution for classroom use only, without permission from the publisher and without declaration to the Publishers Licensing Society. The materials may not be reproduced in any other form or for any other purpose without the prior permission of the publisher.

Introduction The importance of reading for meaning should never be underestimated. Whilst many young children might be able to decode quite complex texts, it is vital that they understand what they read. More importantly, it is fundamental that they enjoy what they are reading. Over my 15 years of experience, I have used a number of comprehension books as part of my English teaching. Very few of them have engaged the children who are being asked to read and understand them. I decided that if we are asking children to read, understand and answer questions from a passage, that passage should at least engage their attention, and indeed their teacher’s attention as well. The passages in the Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension Series are designed to give children valuable reading practice through varied, enjoyable texts. The passages begin in the Year 1 book with simple picture comprehension. They gradually increase in difficulty as you progress through the book, and through the series, encouraging pupils to use a range of strategies for decoding the text and to develop their ability to read for meaning. The passages are entirely fictional and it is hoped that both pupils and teachers will find them humorous. Teachers should read the texts with the children and discuss them thoroughly before allowing them to proceed to the activities. If you are using the e-book version, you can display the pages on the interactive white board. In the Year 2 book there are first a series of Questions that require factual recall. Encourage children to respond in full sentences. The Word work sections will help to develop and stretch their vocabulary. The Extension work sections require more open-ended questions enabling the pupils to provide a more personal response. Although some space has been provided on the sheets, you may wish to ask them to write the answers in their workbooks. Answers are provided on pages 110–118. On pages 8–13 there are some suggestions for ways in which the children can follow up this work in other areas of the curriculum, thus providing a crosscurricular aspect. These activities are ideal for children who finish their work early. The Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension Series provides the teacher with a basis for ensuring progression. The activities give pupils: u

the ability to select or retrieve information in order to answer the questions successfully using a full sentence

u

the opportunity to deduce, infer or interpret information, events or ideas from the texts

u

the opportunity to identify and comment on the structure and organization of the text and comment on the writer’s use of language at word and sentence level

u

the chance to comment on cultural, social or historical traditions and the impact the text may have on the reader.

The Brilliant Activities for Reading Comprehension Series provides an invaluable resource for assessing pupil progress in reading. The key assessment criteria from the National Strategies for levels 1, 2 and 3 for reading are listed, for your convenience, on pages 5–7.

Links to the National Literacy Strategy The activities in this book will help to assess the following criteria: AF1 – use a range of strategies, including accurate decoding of text, to read for meaning Level 1

In some reading, usually with support: u some high frequency and familiar words read fluently and automatically u decode familiar and some unfamiliar words using blending as the prime approach u some awareness of punctuation.

Level 2

In some reading: u range of key words read on sight u unfamiliar words decoded using appropriate strategies, eg blending sounds u some fluency and expression, eg taking account of punctuation, speech marks.

Level 3

In most reading u range of strategies used mostly effectively to read with fluency, understanding and expression.

AF2 – understand, describe, select or retrieve information, events or ideas from texts and use quotation and reference to text Level 1

In some reading, usually with support: u some simple points from familiar texts recalled u some pages/sections of interest located, eg favourite characters/events/ information/pictures.

Level 2

In some reading: u some specific, straightforward information recalled, eg names of characters, main ingredients u generally clear idea of where to look for information, eg about characters, topics.

Level 3

In most reading: u simple, most obvious points identified though there may also be some misunderstanding, eg about information from different places in the text u some comments include quotations from or references to text, but not always relevant, eg often retelling or paraphrasing sections of the text rather than using it to support comment.

AF3 – deduce, infer or interpret information events or ideas from text Level 1

In some reading, usually with support: u reasonable inference at a basic level, eg identifying who is speaking in a story



u comments/questions about meaning of parts of text, eg details of illustrations diagrams, changes in font style.

Level 2

In some reading: u simple, plausible inference about events and information, using evidence from text, eg how a character is feeling, what makes a plant grow u comments based on textual clues sometimes misunderstood.

Level 3

In most reading: u straightforward inference based on a single point of reference in the text, eg ‘he was upset because it says “he was crying”’ u responses to text show meaning established at a literal level, eg ‘walking good’ means ‘walking carefully’ or based on personal speculation eg a response based on what they personally would be feeling rather than feelings of character in the text.

AF4 – identify and comment on the structure and organization of texts, including grammatical and presentational features at text level Level 1

In some reading, usually with support: u some awareness of meaning of simple text features, eg font style, labels, titles.

Level 2

In some reading: u some awareness of use of features of organization, eg beginning and ending of story, types of punctuation.

Level 3

In most reading: u a few basic features of organization at text level identified, with little or no linked comment, eg ‘it tells about all the different things you can do at the zoo’

AF5 – explain and comment on writer’s use of language, including grammatical and literary features at word and sentence level Level 1

In some reading, usually with support: u comments on obvious features of language, eg rhymes and refrains, significant words and phrases.

Level 2

In some reading: u some effective language choices noted, eg ‘“slimy” is a good word there’ u some familiar patterns of language identified, eg once upon a time; first, next, last.

Level 3

In most reading: u a few basic features of writer’s use of language identified, but with little or no comment, eg ‘there are lots of adjectives.’

AF6 – identify and comment on writer’s purposes and viewpoints, and the overall effect of the text on the reader Level 1

In some reading, usually with support: u some simple comments about preferences, mostly linked to own experience.

Level 2 Level 3

In some reading: u some awareness that writers have viewpoints and purposes, eg ‘it tells you how to do something’, ‘she thinks it’s not fair’ u simple statements about likes and dislikes in reading, sometimes with reasons. In most reading: u comments identify purpose, eg ‘the writer doesn’t like violence’ u express personal response but with little awareness of the author’s viewpoint or effect on reader, eg ‘she was just horrible like my nan is sometimes.’

AF7 – relate texts to their social, cultural and historical traditions Level 1

In some reading, usually with support: u a few basic features of well-known story and information texts distinguished, eg what typically happens to good and bad characters, differences between type of text in which photographs or drawings are used.

Level 2

In some reading: u general features of a few text types identified.

Level 3

In most reading: u some simple connections between texts identified, eg similarities in plot, topic or books by same author, about same characters u recognition of some features of the context of texts, eg historical setting, social or cultural background



Cross-curricular activities Sporty Animals

page 14

v Make speech bubbles for all the animals. What could they be saying? v Paint a picture of another sporty animal. Can your friend work out what sport it is doing?

v Draw Wise Owl’s or Samuel Squirrel’s home. v Find out about animals that live in woods and forests. Make a collage of a forest scene using different kinds of materials.

v Choose one of the sporty animals. Design new clothes for it.

Mary Mouse

v Make animal finger puppets out of felt.

v. Draw Fred’s or Mary’s home.

v With your animal puppets make a little play for your friends.

v Draw a plan of the house and garden. Don’t forget to show the pond.

Bonfire Night

v Design a symmetrical pattern for a tablecloth for a tea party.

page 17

v Use coloured chalks or pastels on black paper to draw Bonfire Night. v Write out a list of food suitable for Bonfire Night. v Design a poster reminding people how to keep safe on Bonfire Night. v Do some research about Guy Fawkes. v Re-tell the story of Guy Fawkes in cartoon format.

page 23

v Draw portraits of Mary and Fred.

v Make cakes and sandwiches out of clay or salt dough and paint them. v Make some real sandwiches. Fill them with the class’ favourite fillings. v Plan how to cut a slice of bread or sandwich into halves or quarters. Are there different ways of doing it?

Rubbish Collection

page 26

v Draw up a price list for some fireworks. Then ask a friend to plan how they would spend £5 buying fireworks from your list.

v Draw a winners’ podium with the animals in their correct places.

Owl and Squirrel

v Think up some more animals who live in Nutcombe road. Redo the table, showing their names, and how many bags they collected.

page 20

v Learn to play chess or teach a friend how to play. v Amy Rabbit wants to learn to play chess. She needs glasses to help her see better. Design a smart pair of glasses for her. v. Design and make figures for a chess set from clay. v How many squares are there on a chessboard? Write the number, then write down some number facts about that number.

v Draw a map of Nutcombe Road showing where the animals found the most litter.

v See how much rubbish you can collect in the playground in 5 minutes. Who collects the heaviest bagful? v Make up and catchy class song to encourage people not to drop litter.

The Terrible Day

page 29

v Make a ‘days of the week’ poster to help Fox: write out the days of the week and illustrate them.

v Find poems or songs to do with the days of the week and say or sing them.

v Make up a board game about racing horses or other animals.

v Draw Fox enjoying the rest of the day.

v If all the 35 horses need new shoes, how many horseshoes must Owen pay for?

v Design a new umbrella for Fox. v Do some science: investigate a dry teabag and a wet used one. Try to find all the differences.

Racehorses

page 32

v Draw a picture of your own racehorse and then describe what it is like. What might you give it as a treat? v Look at some paintings of horses, such as those by Stubbs. Then paint your own picture of a horse. v Make tails out of strips of raffia, or old rope. Wear them as you run races in the playground. v The height of a horse is measured in hands. How many hands tall are you? v Imagine you are horses and act out a horse race with commentary.

Pirates

page 35

v Draw a picture of the octopus holding the boat full of pirates in the air. v Make an octopus by wrapping fabric round a tennis ball. Cut the fabric to give the octopus eight legs. v How many legs are there on two octopuses? On five octopuses? v Make a map of the island. Mark on it where the treasure is. v Make a 3-D model of your map using papier mâché.

Stables

page 38

v Imagine you own a racehorse and you would like Owen Hotpants to train it to run really fast. Draw your horse and describe it. Say why you think it will one day be a champion. Don’t forget to give your horse a good name!

v Draw a map of the stables. v Draw what the inside of one of the stables might look like.

Girish Patek and the Magic Carpet page 41 v Have a look at a map of the world or a globe and find out the names of some of the countries Girish Patek might fly over on his journey. v Design the pattern for a magic carpet. v Use a PE mat instead of a carpet. How many people can sit on it comfortably? How many magic PE mats would you need to take your whole class on a journey? v Describe your favourite toy. Say what makes it special.

The Magic Kettle

page 44

v Draw a picture of Mr Frost and his magic kettle. v Play the game: I went to the shops. ‘I went to the shops and bought an apricot.’ ‘I went to the shops and bought an apricot and a book.’ ‘I went to the shops and bought an apricot and a book and a camera.’ v Work out roughly how much liquid you drink in a day. v If you wanted enough biscuits for everyone in the class, how many packets would you need to buy?

Chalices

page 47

v Paint a picture of one of the cups in its special place. v Design a chalice of your own and describe what makes it special. v Make a special cup out of papier mâché.

v One of the coins on the Cup of Coins is dated 1712. How long ago is 1712, roughly?

v Try growing an avocado plant from an avocado stone, or make a carrot top grow by sitting it in a dish of water.

v Look at some real coins and find out what date each one was made. Put the coins in date order.

v Cut some string 2 metres long. Use it to work out how big the winning cabbage was. v Follow a recipe for vegetable soup.

Musicians

page 50

v Imagine you have a musically talented pet. What type of animal are they and what is their musical talent? v Make a musical instrument out of junk material. What will you call it and how do you play it? v Daisy Sweets comes from Trinidad. Listen to some Trinidadian music. v Compose a piece of music to play to the class. v Draw Anneka’s lucky jester’s hat. v Find Spain and Russia on a map of the world. Find Birmingham on a map of Britain.

The Talking Cat

page 53

v Paint a portrait of Freddy or Fluffy. v. Make a model cat from clay. v Make a pet blanket from scraps of fabric. Cut out squares all the same size and glue or stitch them to a piece of backing fabric. v Find out about wild animals which are relatives of the cat. Do any of them live in Britain? v Write a set of rules for Freddy and announce them to him in a speech in the character of Fluffy.

Hoggly School Vegetable Competition page 56 v Have a class discussion. Do you think it is fair to have a competition where some classes win and some don’t? Would you organize the competition differently?

v Use potato printing to make repeating patterns. Design some wrapping paper. v Paint a still-life of some fruit or vegetables.

Rocket Boy

page 59

v What colour do you think Snowball is? Paint a picture of him or her. v Find out the names of the planets in our Solar System. Which one is nearest the Sun and which is furthest away? v Draw a cartoon strip showing the daring rescue of Snowball. v Find out about hot-air balloons. How do they work? v Make a model hot-air balloon.

Horticultural Show

page 62

v Draw one of the prize-winning fruits or vegetables at the show. You could draw the person who grew it too. v Imagine you have grown a beautiful new rose. Draw your rose and give it a special name. v Every year at the show, there is a prize for the best novelty cake. Next year, the theme for the novelty cake design will be Under the Sea and Farzia plans to enter a cake shaped like a submarine. Design your own novelty cake for this competition. Describe in words what it will look like and what will make it special. v Did Hugo Brightface’s tomato weigh more or less than 1 kilogram? v If Marie Wigglebottom stood her marrow on end, would it be as tall as you are? Or taller? Or shorter?

v Find out the most popular vegetable in your class and make a graph showing your results. v Have a growing competition and see who can grow the largest bean or tallest sunflower or heaviest tomato.

The Pony Show

page 65

v Draw or paint one of the ponies and its owner. v Make a 1st prize rosette for the winner of Best Decorated Pony. v Agatha Blakemore decides to give the three winners of Best Decorated Pony £10 to share between them. What do you think would be a fair way to divide it up? v Carry out a quick survey to find out what people’s favourite pet animals are.

Florists in Maybury

page 68

v Paint a picture of the Sharkflower or any other flower you choose. v Design some wrapping paper with pictures of flowers on. v Tansy and tarragon are the names of herbs. Look at a book on herbs and find out three facts about tansy and three about tarragon. v Look at pictures of flowers painted by famous artists and choose which you like best. Can you say why you like it?

On the Glacier

page 71

v A terrible storm is blowing across the mountains. Write a play in which Amber, Rory and Coco are huddled in their tent deciding what they should do next. v Draw Amber, Rory and Coco on the glacier. v Research the type of clothing they might be wearing to climb the mountain. v Explore different fabrics to find out which ones will keep you dry and which will let the moisture in.

v Find out about what a glacier is, and how it is made. v Do glaciers move? Find out the answer.

Potion for Making Pigs Fly page 74

v You need to make double the amount of potion, as you have four pigs that want to fly. Double the quantity of each ingredient. v Have a spell-writing competition. v Collect some flower petals and mix them with raindrops. What happens? Leave the mixture for a few days. What changes do you see? v Design a front cover for the book Spells and Potions.

Tiger’s Birthday

page 77

v Design and write a party invitation for Crocodile to send to the monkeys and Tiger’s other friends. Remember the party is to be kept secret. v Draw a picture of Tiger at his birthday party. v What kind of cake do you think Tiger had? Draw his cake. v Tiger likes swimming. What other games or sports do you think he enjoys? Paint a picture of him doing a sporting activity. v The tiger in the passage is a storybook tiger. Find out some facts about real tigers: what they eat, where they live, why they are under threat.

Vets

page 80

v Draw some of the animals from the passage. Use speech bubbles and write what they say to the vets who have helped them. v Sunnyhouse Surgery is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. How many hours is it open each day? For a week (Monday–Friday)?

v Visit a vet’s surgery and find out what happens there. v Draw a comic strip showing what happens in a day at the surgery.

The Potion

page 83

v Write a list of ingredients for a magic juice of your own. What colour would it be and what might it do to the person who drinks it? v Draw the cave where Molly and Reggie are. v Design a front cover for one of the spell books. v Molly Mole’s names both begin with M. Reggie Rat’s names both begin with R. Think up some more names like that. v Find out some facts about real rats and moles.

Alien Invasion?

page 86

v Draw the army headquarters on Planet Zoid, or Planet Zoid itself. v Paint a portrait of Colonel-in-Chief Pozzing. v Find out about the planets in our solar system. Which one of them do you think Zoid might be like? v How many aliens live on Planet Zoid? Write the number in figures and in words.

Birthday Cakes

page 89

v How many weeks is it until your birthday? v What day of the week is your birthday this year? v Find out the ingredients you would need to make a cake. v Bake a cake and ice it. v Draw a picture of your ideal birthday cake, or design a wedding cake. v Look at magazines with cakes in them.

Cut out the pictures and use them to make a collage. v Suppose you have a round cake to share between eight people. Draw a plan of how you would cut it. Suppose there were 12 people to share it? Or 16?

Lemonade

page 92

v The formula is a powder and it will come in a tin, like drinking chocolate. Design a label to wrap round the tin of formula. v Invent the ingredients in the professor’s formula. Write a recipe explaining how to make it. v What do you think would be a good price for the formula? It must be cheap enough so people can afford it but expensive enough to cover the costs of making it. v Find out about other famous inventors.

Local Goats Escape from Farm page 95 v Make a storyboard of the goats’ escape, ready to turn into a short film. v Make a ‘Wanted’ poster for the goats. Include descriptions of them so that people know what to look for. v Make up a play about the three goats. Start with the goats planning their escape from the farm. What might they say to one another? v Draw a map of Farmer Huggins’ farm and Tor Scragg. v Draw and name some things that people make out of goats’ milk. v Make up a song about goats, using the tune of a song you know, such as Three Blind Mice. v Act out the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff for some younger children. v The goats have made up a victory speech. What will they say? Deliver it to your friends. v You are the television crew who has

come to interview Farmer Huggins. What questions will you ask?

Snagwit Castle

page 98

v Make a Snagwit Castle board game for 2–4 players. v Design a family crest for the Snagwit family. v Draw portraits of the ghosts. v Draw a picture of the castle and underneath put the main details about it as though it is in an estate agent’s window. v The castle is being sold for one million pounds. Write that as a figure. v Dame Flora Flapperby wants to buy the castle, but as it is haunted, she says it should be sold at half price. Use a calculator to work out half of a million pounds.

Blastoes

page 101

v Use one sheet of A4 paper or card (no more) to make a box to hold Blastoes. How many small cubes does your box hold? v Design a label for your box of Blastoes which will capture people’s attention. v Invent some new flavours for Blastoes sweets. Use a tally chart to record which are most popular in your class and then show your results in a bar chart. v Make a poster advertising a new type of sweet that is actually good for your teeth. v. How many packets of Blastoes could you buy for £5?

The Gumbo Tree

page 104

v Draw a picture of how you think the Gumbo Tree looks. Don’t forget to put in the Twiggle bird. v Think of some other creatures that might live in a Gumbo tree. Write their names or

draw them in the tree. v Make a class or individual collage of the Gumbo Tree. v A small bird weighs about 25 g. Find something else that weighs about 25 g, to give you an idea of how light small birds are. v Use clay or dough to make some tiny birds’ eggs. They should weigh about 5 g each. When they are dry, paint them. v The Twiggle bird is an imaginary bird. Make up an imaginary bird of your own and describe it.

Space Station Lucy

page 107

v Make a map of the solar system, showing where Space Station Lucy is located. v You have been asked to design a new space station. What would it look like and how would you make it appealing to tourists? v Design a space suit for young travellers. v Design a safety card to go in the passenger seats of the shuttle. What important information should go in it? v All 195 people who work at Saintways Electronics want to go on a weekend trip to Space Station Lucy. How many space shuttles will they need to book to fit them all in? v Act out the journey on the shuttle to the space station. Imagine you are the air stewardesses, deliver your safety briefing to the rest of the group, showing them what to do in the event of an emergancy.

Sporty Animals Harriet Hippo

Leo Lion

Zelda Zebra

Gregory Giraffe Darko Dog

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. How many sporty animals are there?

2. Which animal is skating?

3. Which animal is going to play tennis?

4. What sport does the lion do?

5. Which animal is snowboarding?

6. Which animals are warmly dressed?

Extension work 1.

Which of these animals is your favourite and why?

2.

What is your favourite sport or game?

3.

Choose an animal. Write down all the words you can think of to describe it.

4.

Suppose a snake joined the sporty animals. What sport do you think it would do? What clothes would it wear?

5.

Make up some more animal names like Gregory Giraffe and Darko Dog.

Bonfire Night

My name is Lucy. On Bonfire Night, my friends and I wrap up in scarves and hats to keep warm. Then we go out and watch the sky light up with fireworks. Coloured rain falls above our heads. Flames from the bonfire reach the trees. When we are hungry, we eat hot potatoes filled with butter. Happy children wave sparklers in the crisp, night air.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. What do Lucy and her friends wear to keep warm?

2. What lights up the sky?

3. How high do the bonfire flames reach?

4. What does Lucy eat on Bonfire Night?

5. Who waves sparklers?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

friend crisp wrap 2.

What do you think is meant by ‘coloured rain’?

Extension work 1.

Why is Bonfire Night special?

2.

What do people often put on top of the bonfire?

3.

Write down two things you can do to stay safe on Bonfire Night.

4.

Write a story about Bonfire Night.

5.

Imagine you have a pet. What would you do to keep your pet safe on Bonfire Night?

Owl and Squirrel

In the forest, high up in an old oak tree, lived a grey squirrel called Samuel. Samuel was a clever squirrel, with a beautiful silky tail. Every evening, Samuel would go to Wise Owl’s tree and they would play a game of chess. Owl was very good at playing chess. She was the forest chess champion. Samuel hoped that playing with Wise Owl would make him a better player so that one day he could beat her. Then he would be the forest chess champion.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Where does Samuel live?

2. What kind of animal was Samuel?

3. Who did Samuel visit every evening?

4. What game was Wise Owl very good at playing?

5. What did Samuel want to become?

6. How did Samuel think he could learn to be a better player?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

silky wise champion

Extension work 1.

Chess is a game that exercises people’s brains. Name some games that exercise people’s bodies.

2.

Imagine you are organizing a chess competition. What prize would you give the winner and why?

3.

Write a story about Wise Owl’s day and night.

4.

Imagine you are Samuel Squirrel. Write a short piece saying how you feel about playing chess.

Mary Mouse

Mary Mouse lives in a small, pink house. The house has a garden with a pond. In the pond lives a frog called Fred. Fred sometimes goes to visit Mary. He and Mary have a cup of tea and eat cakes together in her kitchen. If the weather is very hot, they sit outside in the sun with a cool drink instead of tea.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Where does Mary live?

2. What colour is her house?

3. What kind of animal is Mary?

4. What kind of animal is Fred?

5. Where does Fred live?

6. Where do Mary and Fred usually have tea?

7. When it is hot, where do Mary and Fred go to have their drink?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

sometimes visit cool

Extension work 1.

Suppose you are Mary Mouse. Write to a friend and tell them what your house is like.

2.

Suppose you are Fred. Tell Mary what it is like living in a pond.

3.

Mary and Fred are a bit bored of cake and tea. List some other things they might drink and eat at teatime.

4.

Another small animal joins Mary and Fred’s tea party. What animal is it? And what is the animal called?

5.

Write an adventure story about Fred and Mary.

Rubbish Collection

The animals in Nutcombe Road had a rubbish-collecting competition. The mice sisters, Dawn and Nadine, lost their bag in the canal, and Freda Fox’s bag burst. These three had to be disqualified. Here are the results for the remaining competitors:

Name

Place in competition

Bags of rubbish collected

Rupee Rat

1

6

Clarence Cat

2

5

Diva Dog

3

3

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. How many animals took part in the competition? 2. Who was the winner? 3. Who came third? 4. What type of animal is Rupee? 5. How many bags of rubbish did Rupee collect? 6. How many bags did Rupee, Clarence and Diva collect altogether? 7. What happened to Freda’s bag? 8. What are the mice sisters called?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

disqualified competitor

Extension work 1.

Why do you think there was so much rubbish?

2.

What do you think the animals did with all the rubbish once the competition was over?

3.

Next year there will be a prize for the winner of the rubbish-collecting competition. What do you think the prize should be?

4.

What would happen if we didn’t pick up our rubbish?

The Terrible Day

Fox was having a terrible day. He had woken up and made himself a cup of tea. The teabag had burst in the cup and ruined the tea. Outside it was raining. Fox could not find his umbrella. He was so busy looking for his umbrella that he missed his bus. When he got to work, the office was locked. ‘What are you doing, Fox?’ asked Milly Mouse. ‘I’m going to work,’ said Fox. Milly Mouse shook her head sadly. ‘Poor Fox. Don’t you know? It’s Sunday.’

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Who was having a terrible day?

2. What happened to Fox’s teabag?

3. What was the weather like?

4. Why did Fox miss his bus?

5. Why was the office locked?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

burst umbrella busy

Extension work 1.

If you were Millie Mouse, what would you do next to help Fox?

2.

What do you think Fox did for the rest of the day?

3.

Write a story about somebody going to school by mistake on a Sunday. What happened?

4.

What things might happen to you in the morning to spoil the start of your day?

Racehorses Jumping Jack Jumping Jack is only six years old. He is owned by the Russian millionaire Gregori Bottletof. Jack likes jumping over brush fences and has won three important races. His next race will be the Silver Crown Derby. Jumping Jack’s rider is Sally Slipper. Sally loves riding Jumping Chilli Pepper Jack and describes him as a Chilli Pepper is eight years old. kind, gentle horse who loves Her owner is businesswoman sweets as a treat. Maria Abagnale. Chilli Pepper is so fast you can hardly see Hot Potato her run. Smoke comes out of Hot Potato is twelve years old. her hooves when she races and He is now fed up with being she never comes last. Chilli a racehorse and would rather Pepper likes jumping fences. be in a field eating grass. But She eats her food out of gold his owner, Primrose Dribble, bowls and her favourite treat wants him to race in the Grand is strawberry ice-cream. National.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. How old is Jumping Jack? 2. Who owns Jumping Jack? 3. Which of the three horses is youngest? 4. Which horse does not enjoy racing? 5. What would Hot Potato like to do instead of racing? 6. Who is Sally Slipper? 7. Which horse eats out of gold bowls? 8. What is Chilli Pepper’s favourite treat?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

important treat gentle 2.

…her favourite treat is strawberry ice-cream. What does this mean?

Extension work 1.

Why do you think Hot Potato has become fed up with being a racehorse?

2.

Imagine you are Hot Potato. You have decided to run away from your owner. Where do you go and what do you do?

3.

If you could ride one of the horses, which would you choose and why?

4.

If you owned a racehorse, what would you call it and why?

5.

Choose one of the horses and write a short adventure story about it.

Pirates As the ship sailed close to the little island, the pirates could see palm trees and hot, yellow sand. ‘The treasure’s here!’ shouted Cut-throat Kacey, ‘I can see the cross marked out in the sand.’ The pirates threw their spades into the jolly boat, then rowed like mad towards the island. Suddenly, a giant octopus shot out of the water in front of them. It looked very angry. The creature’s tentacles picked the boat out of the water and held it up in mid-air. The pirates were terrified. ‘Steal my treasure, would you?’ hissed the octopus. Then it tossed the boat high into the sky. Up the boat went, up, up, up into Space. And that is where the pirates still float, in their not-very-jolly boat.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Who was on the ship?

2. What did the pirates hope to find on the island?

3. How did they know where the treasure was buried on the island?

4. Did the pirates land on the island?

5. Who did the octopus think the treasure belonged to?

6. What did the octopus do to the pirates and why?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words: jolly boat

tentacles hissed

Extension work 1.

What would you do if a giant octopus picked you up?

2.

Imagine you are one of the pirates circling the earth in your jolly boat. How would you spend your time?

3.

If you were one of the pirates, what would you do to get back to Earth?

4.

Imagine that the pirates get back to Earth and get hold of the treasure. Make a list of things they find inside the treasure chest.

5.

Brainstorm lots of words to describe the octopus. Do the same for the pirates.

6.

Imagine you are the octopus. Write a story about how you got the treasure and why you buried it!

Stables

The Cobble Stables are in Yorkshire, sofa in its stable, as well as a telephone. and are home to 35 horses. The stables were bought a few years ago by former jockey, Owen Hotpants, who was forced to give up racing after a bad fall in the Doodle Derby. Owen lives above the stables. He says that the secret of his success is the care and attention he gives his horses. Each horse has a television and comfortable

Six of the horses at The Cobble have won all their races this year. Owen’s favourite horse is Hot Chocolate, which recently won an important race called the Sunshine Stakes. At the stables there is a fitness centre where injured horses can come to exercise and regain their strength and health.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Where are The Cobble Stables?

2. Who owns the stables?

3. What work did Owen do before he bought the stables?

4. How many horses live at The Cobble?

5. Which is Owen’s favourite horse?

6. What race did Hot Chocolate win recently?

7. What is the secret of Owen’s success?

8. For what purpose is the fitness centre used?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

jockey injured fitness health

Extension work 1.

Do you think horses really like televisions and sofas? What do you think real horses like?

2.

What makes a racehorse different from an ordinary horse?

3.

Which of the four horses in the picture do you like best? Say why you like it.

4.

Write a story about one of the horses in the picture.

5.

Imagine you are going to interview one of the horses. Think up some questions to ask about its life.

Girish Patek and the Magic Carpet Girish Patek was cleaning out the attic in his house. It was filled with old things which no one used any longer. There were old lamps, broken chairs, pictures and a dirty table. There was a big box of toys with a train set on the top. Girish had played with the train set when he was a boy. His son, Deepak, did not want to play with the train set. He played with his computer instead. At the back of the attic lay a dusty rug. Girish unrolled it. He had never seen it before. ‘I wonder where it came from?’ he thought. He gave the rug a shake. The dust made him sneeze. It was big – a carpet really, not just a rug. And it had pretty patterns on it. Girish stood on it to have a good look

at the patterns. The carpet made him think of India. ‘I wish I were there now,’ he thought. To his surprise, the carpet began to move. The edges twitched and fluttered. Suddenly, it rose gently from the ground. Girish was shocked. ‘Oh my goodness!’ he cried, ‘It’s a magic carpet!’

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. What is Girish Patek doing in the attic? 2. List four things Girish found in the attic. 3. What is on top of the big box of toys? 4. What is Girish Patek’s son called? 5. What does his son like playing with? 6. Why did Girish stand on the carpet? 7. What makes the carpet special? 8. Where do you think the carpet will take Girish?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

attic lamp twitch flutter

Extension work 1.

Imagine you are Girish. Tell your friend Amal why you are cleaning out the attic.

2.

Imagine you are Deepak. You arrive in the attic and see your father flying out of the window on a carpet. You jump onto the carpet too. Write a story about what happens.

3.

Imagine that Deepak arrives in the attic and sees his father flying out of the window on a carpet. Write a short conversation between Deepak and his mother in which he describes what he has seen.

4.

If you had a magic carpet, where would you go on it and what would you do there?

The Magic Kettle

Mr Frost looked at the kettle. It was not working. The plug had broken. Mr Frost was very cross. He wanted a cup of tea with his chocolate biscuits. He picked up the telephone and called Mrs Frost. ‘The kettle is broken,’ he said angrily. ‘Well, go and buy a new one,’ said Mrs Frost. Mr Frost went to the kitchen shop. He saw lots of lovely, new kettles. Then he saw a bright green one. It looked wonderful. He bought it and took it home. Mr Frost plugged it in. ‘I’ll do that, thank you,’ said a voice. Mr Frost nearly fell over. The kettle could talk. ‘Oh my!’ he said. ‘A magic kettle!’

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. What was wrong with Mr Frost’s kettle? 2. What drink did Mr Frost want to make? 3. Who did Mr Frost call on the phone? 4. What shop did Mr Frost go to? 5. What colour kettle did Mr Frost buy? 6. What happened when he got back home?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

kettle plug plugged it in very cross

Extension work 1.

Suppose the shops were shut and Mr Frost couldn’t buy a new kettle. Write what happens instead.

2.

The kettle can talk. What else do you think it might say?

3.

What other magic things do you think Mr Frost’s kettle does?

4.

Suppose you bought a magic saucepan. Write about what magic it can do.

5.

Explain how to make a cup of tea to someone who doesn’t know.

Chalices The Cup of Coins is kept in a cave in Spain. It is guarded by a big, red dragon. The cup has magic powers. If you drink from it you will get stronger and stronger. The cup is covered with gold coins. These came from a ship wrecked long ago in the Irish Sea. No one knows where the Cup of Dreams is hidden. Some people say it is looked after by elves, deep in their underground halls. The Cup of Dreams is made of glass and it too has great power. If you drink water from it, you will become invisible. The Cup of Darkness is made out of bad thoughts. It was made over two hundred years ago by Wizard Blush. One day he smashed the cup when he tripped over a rug. He gathered the pieces up and threw them into the river. But the river fairies mended the cup and now they keep it safe in their home among the water weeds.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Where do the gold coins on the Cup of Coins come from? 2. Who or what guards the Cup of Coins? 3. What is the Cup of Dreams made from? 4. How long ago was the Cup of Darkness made? 5. What is the Cup of Darkness made from? 6. Who mended the Cup of Darkness? 7. Which cup makes you invisible?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

chalice invisible guarded wrecked

Extension work 1.

Suppose you have drunk from the Cup of Dreams. Tell what happens next.

2.

You are one of the elves who keeps the Cup of Dreams hidden. Explain why you do so.

3.

List some dark thoughts that might have been made in the Cup of Darkness.

4.

Why do you think Wizard Blush made the Cup of Darkness? What might he have planned to do with it?

5.

Write a short story about one of the cups.

6.

Write an adventure story about someone trying to steal the Cup of Coins.

7.

Imagine you are the red dragon. Explain why you are guarding the Cup of Coins.

Musicians Before a performance, Rosco drinks tomato juice to give him energy. He often keeps his eyes shut when playing to help him focus on the music. Rosco’s favourite piece of music is ‘The Dolphin’ by Crubtree Martin. This piece is very difficult to perform because it is only played on one string. Marta Lopez comes from the tiny village of Abla in Spain. She began learning the piano when she was only two years old. At the age of four she gave her first performance in Madrid. When she is not travelling around the world, Marta lives at home with her many goldfish and her dog Leo.

Anneka Wigg was born in Birmingham. Anneka has been playing the recorder since she was at school. She prefers to perform dance music. She always wears her lucky jester’s hat when playing and never eats before a performance. In her free time, Anneka teaches the recorder in her old school, Her favourite piece of music is Mossbury. Anneka’s favourite Daisy Sweets’ Fifth Symphony. piece of music is a creation of her own called ‘Variations on Rosco Flitvitch comes from the the Theme of Twinkle, Twinkle, city of Ritsov in central Russia. Little Star’. He plays the double bass.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. What instrument does Marta play? 2. What instrument does Rosco play? 3. Why is ‘The Dolphin’ so difficult to play? 4. When did Marta start learning her instrument? 5. What does Marta do when she is not travelling? 6. What is Marta’s favourite piece of music? 7. What gives Rosco energy for playing? 8. Where was Anneka born? 9. Where does Anneka teach?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

performance recorder favourite jester

Extension work 1.

Which of these three musicians would you like to hear play? Why?

2.

Do you think any of these musicians might be bigheaded? Why do you think that?

3.

What is your favourite musical instrument and why do you like it?

4.

Crubtree Martin has written another important piece of work. Decide what it is called and say what makes it special.

5.

Write a few sentences about a musician called Deena Halfpenny. What does she play?

The Talking Cat Freddy stared at Fluffy. The ginger cat stared back at Freddy. Freddy rubbed his forehead. Something very strange was going on. Maybe he was coming down with a cold. But he could have sworn that Fluffy said something. ‘Puss, puss, puss,’ he began carefully.

future I want you to call me Prince. The other cats will respect me more if I’m called Prince. The third thing is where I sleep. I don’t like the kitchen at night; it’s cold. From now on I want to sleep at the end of your bed. And I’ll need my own special blanket, thank you.’

Fluffy flicked his ears grumpily. Freddy nodded. It looked like there was a new ‘I’ve got a name. I do wish you’d stop calling me ‘puss’.’ boss in the house! Freddy gasped. Fluffy HAD spoken. ‘You can speak,’ he said. ‘Yes I can speak.’ said Fluffy. ‘And there are a few changes I want to ask for. The first is food. The tinned stuff you give me is disgusting. I need fresh fish. The second is my name. I hate it. In

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. What colour is Fluffy? 2. What can Fluffy do which is special? 3. How many things does Fluffy want to change? 4. Where does Fluffy want to sleep? 5. Where does Fluffy normally sleep? 6. Why does he dislike sleeping in this place? 7. Why does Fluffy want to change his name? 8. What does it mean if ‘there is a new boss’ in the house?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

strange disgusting fresh

Extension work 1.

What do you think Freddy will do next?

2.

Do you think that Fluffy’s requests are reasonable?

3.

Suppose Fluffy makes three other requests. What are they?

4.

If you changed your name what would you call yourself and why?

5.

If you had a pet and it suddenly started speaking, how would you feel?

6.

Write a story about Fluffy’s adventures.

7.

Have you got a pet? Imagine you have a conversation with it. Write this down in the format of a play.

Hoggly School Vegetable Competition

The competition was held last Thursday, and was judged by Mrs Dibley, the chair of governors. The 1st prize went to Class 5, who grew a radish the size of a football! The 2nd prize went to Class 1 for their beautiful yellow potatoes. Class 4 won 3rd prize for a large cabbage. Mrs Dibley measured its circumference,

which was exactly 2 metres. This is a record for the school. Runners up were: Class 2, who showed their beautiful, red carrots. They told the judges that watering them with tea had helped them to grow. Class 3, who showed their enormous cucumbers. Everyone said that the cucumbers were nearly twice as long as the ones in the shops.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. What did Class 2 show at the vegetable competition? 2. How did Class 2 help their vegetables to grow? 3. What vegetable did Class 3 show in the competition? 4. Which class received 1st prize? 5. How big was the radish which won 1st prize? 6. Who measured the circumference of the cabbage? 7. What phrase tells us that the cucumbers were larger than normal? 8. Who is Mrs Dibley?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

enormous measured circumference

Extension work 1.

Try to think of a fruit or vegetable beginning with A, then B, then C, and so on. How far can you go?

2.

Imagine: what prizes did the winning classes receive?

3.

If your class won a competition, what prize would you like to get?

4.

If you entered the competition, what vegetables would you grow and show?

5.

Write a story about some kind of competition.

Rocket Boy Rafi looks like an ordinary boy, but he is actually a superhero with amazing powers. When he is being a superhero he is known as Rocket Boy. Rocket Boy can fly through space. He plays football with planets.

Rafi thinks he might have found a brand-new planet. It is bright green and has large, purple crystal rocks on it. If you tap the rocks they flash brightly. Rafi has

one of the rocks in his bedroom. He uses it for a bedside light.

He also likes helping people and animals in trouble. Once he rescued Snowball the cat. Snowball had gone to sleep in the basket of a hot-air balloon. Then the balloon took off into the air. Luckily Rocket Boy came to the rescue. He flew off, jumped into the basket and grabbed Snowball. Snowball’s owner, Mr Simpkin, was very happy to get Snowball back.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Why is Rafi also known as Rocket Boy?

2. What does Rafi do for fun when he turns into Rocket Boy?

3. What is Rafi using as a bedside light?

4. What type of animal is Snowball?

5. What accident happened to Snowball?

6. How did Rafi rescue Snowball?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

superhero flash rescue

Extension work 1.

How do you think Mr Simpkin felt when he realized Snowball was missing?

2.

What do you think Mr Simpkin said to Rafi when he returned Snowball safely?

3.

Imagine you have found something new and special in space. What is it?

4.

If you were a superhero, where would you hide your outfit?

5.

Rafi’s parents do not know he is Rocket Boy. What do you think they might say and do if they found out?

6.

Write a story about how Rafi became Rocket Boy.

7.

Write a story in which Rafi carries out another amazing rescue as Rocket Boy.

Horticultural Show Dugbury Horticultural Show is held every year in Daisybank Park, near the allotments. The show was started by Farzia Ahmed nearly 20 years ago. People compete to win prizes for the flowers and vegetables they have grown, and for things they have made. Every year Farzia enters her favourite rose, the Bollifant Pink, in the rosegrowing competition. And every year until now she has won the prize for best rose. This year local gardener, Tony Scratchit, won the prize for best rose with a white rose named Mrs Scratchit, after his wife, Bianca. Mrs Ahmed is said to be far from

pleased. Winner of ‘heaviest tomato’ was Hugo Brightface. His tomato weighed just over 900 g. Winner of ‘largest marrow’ was Marie Wigglebottom. Her marrow was 2 metres long and was brought to the show in a hearse owned by her brother Pierre.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Where is the Dugbury Horticultural Show held? 2. Who started the show? 3. How long ago did she start the show? 4. What flower does Farzia Ahmed always enter in the show? 5. Who won the prize for the best rose this year and what was his rose called? 6. Who won the prize for the heaviest tomato? 7. What did Marie Wigglebottom win her prize for? 8. Who brought Marie Wigglebottom’s vegetable to the show?

Word work 1. Give the meaning of the following words:

horticultural 2. 3.

hearse Farzia was said to be far from pleased that she didn’t win the prize for best rose. What does that mean? Give a word which means the opposite of: started win largest lift

Extension work 1.

2.

3. 4.

When Farzia heard she had lost the rose competiton, she was very upset. She rang her sister to tell her all about it. What do you think she said? Imagine you have to organize the competition next year. What rules would you make for people entering the competition? Write a story about one of the people who enters the competition. Invent a list of competitions at the show. If you were entering one of them, which would you choose?

The Pony Show

Loopleigh Newsletter Pony Show ends in tears

THE LOOPLEIGH Pony Show ended in tears for Tiffany Sawalha when her pony, Sunbeam, bolted out of the show ring yesterday afternoon. A shocked crowd watched as the normally calm pony bucked, causing six-year-old Tiffany to fall from the saddle, then galloped off towards the village pond. The pony had been tipped to win fi rst prize for Best Decorated Pony. ‘Sunbeam is such a gentle pony,’ Tiffany’s father Rowan told onlookers. ‘I can’t think what must have upset him. We were hoping for fi rst place. It took Tiff and me ages to put all those ribbons in his mane and tail.’ Sunbeam was returned to the Sawalhas by local farmer Agatha Blakemore who said she thought it was the ribbons that had upset him.

AWARDS Best Kept Pony tting on Grizzle 1st prize ..............................Lara Tro lroy on Boxer 2nd prize ............................Lily MacE ly on Mr Potter 3rd prize .............................Ivor Clean Best Decorated Pony McKenna on 1st prize ..............................Kingsley Daybreak llam on Snow 2nd prize ............................Inigo Ha Queen tting on Grizzle 3rd prize .............................Lara Tro

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. What is Tiffany’s pony called?

2. What did people think Tiffany and her pony might win?

3. Describe what Sunbeam did that surprised everyone.

4. According to the farmer, why had the pony bolted?

5. How had Tiffany and her father decorated Sunbeam?

6. Who won first prize for Best Kept Pony?

7. What was Ivor Cleanly’s pony called?

8. Who was riding Boxer?

Word work 1. Give the meaning of the following words:

bucked bolted shocked 2. What does tipped to win mean?

Extension work 1.

If Tiffany’s pony could talk, what do you think it would say to the reporter?

2.

If you met Tiffany, what questions would you like to ask her about her life and her pony?

3.

Write a story about one of the prize-winners and their pony having an adventure.

4.

Write a story about you and your pet (real or imagined).

Florists in Maybury shark’s head and, if you touch the spiky leaves, they sting you.’

Mariella Tangle owns Wonderflowers, a small shop near the railway station. ‘It’s a good place to have a shop,’ says Mariella. ‘People getting off the train often buy flowers as a present for the person they are visiting.’ Mariella sells many interesting kinds of flowers in her shop. Her favourite is the Sharkflower. ‘I like it because the flower looks just like a

Herbert Bullock owns Flower Power, a large shop in the centre of town. He only sells roses. He has over fifty different types, and is very excited about the new rose he has grown. He has named it Bullock’s Baby. ‘It has the most beautiful purple and gold petals’, he says. ‘It took me years to grow.’ Tarragon and Tansy Patterson have a stall in the market square. They sell a variety of herbs in pots. They also sell small sweet-smelling posies consisting of flowers such as violets and primroses together with herbs.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Who owns Wonderflowers? 2. What is Mariella’s favourite flower and why does she like it? 3. Wonderflowers is near the railway station. Why does Mariella consider this a good place for her shop? 4. Who owns Flower Power? 5. What type of flower can you buy there? 6. What is Bullock’s Baby, and what does it look like? 7. Who runs the market stall selling herbs? 8. Which short phrase tells us that Herbert Bullock is very pleased with his new rose?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

florist posy variety

Extension work 1.

If you could grow a new flower, what would it be like?

2.

Which of the flowers named in this passage do you think are real? Which flowers do you think are made up?

3.

If you lived in Maybury and wanted some flowers, which of the three florists would you go to and why?

4.

People give flowers to each other for many different reasons. Can you think of three reasons why you might give someone flowers?

On the Glacier

The three youngsters knew the glacier was dangerous. They might slip on the ice and fall into a crevasse. After half an hour they came to a wide and deep crevasse with a metal ladder across it. Amber, Rory and Coco waved Amber stepped onto the ladder goodbye to their friends and first, while Rory and Coco held started to make their way up the ropes as still as they could. the glacier. It was hard work After three hours of climbing because the ice was bumpy they had made it to camp. The and slippery. Soon their legs camp cook had hot chocolate felt like jelly. waiting for them.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Who did Amber, Rory and Coco wave goodbye to? 2. What are the youngsters in this story doing? 3. How did their legs feel? 4. Why was the ice dangerous? 5. How did they cross the deep crevasse? 6. What did the camp cook have ready for them? 7. How long did it take them to get to the camp?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

slippery glacier crevasse youngster

Extension work 1.

Imagine you are Amber or Rory or Coco. Write an entry in your diary describing what the day on the glacier was like.

2.

Imagine you are Coco’s mum. How do you feel as you see him set off up the glacier?

3.

Do you think that the three youngsters found the climb easy or difficult? Give reasons for your answer.

4.

Would you like to go exploring on a glacier? Say why.

Potion for Making Pigs Fly

Enough for 2 pigs Ingredients: 3 daisies 20 raindrops 50 grams of stardust juice of ½ a lemon 1 slice of rainbow Method: Pull the petals off the daisy and put them in a small bowl. Add the raindrops and mix well. In a saucer, mix the lemon juice and the stardust.

Blend this into the petal and raindrop mix. Crumble the rainbow into the mixture and stir gently. Put in a small jar and seal tightly with a cork. Shake well three times. Leave under a wishing tree until the next full moon. It will then be ready. Tip: Make sure you use only fresh daisies. See page 59 of Spells and Potions for how to use this potion.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence. 1. What is the potion meant to do? 2. How many daisies do you need? 3. What do you mix the stardust with? 4. What do you do to the slice of rainbow? 5. When the mixture is ready, what do you put it in? 6. How long should you leave the jar under a wishing tree? 7. What does the ‘tip’ tell you to do? 8. What book would you look in to find out how to use the potion?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words: potion ingredients crumble

2.

What does seal tightly mean?

Extension work 1.

Write a spell to say while using this potion on the pigs.

2.

Write a story about the pigs that learn to fly with the help of this potion.

3.

Which of the ingredients in this potion would be easy to find? Which would be hard to find?

4.

Write a list of ingredients for a potion to help cats swim under water.

5.

Write your own recipe for making a potion. Say what the potion will do and how to use it.

6.

List the ingredients you need for a really dangerous potion. What does this really dangerous potion do?

Tiger’s Birthday One hot, sunny day, Tiger woke up and stretched. He was very excited because today was his birthday. He went down to the river, where he had a lovely swim in the cool water. He looked about for his friend Crocodile, but Crocodile was nowhere to be seen.

whom to share his birthday. Suddenly there was a shout. Out of the bushes tumbled the monkeys, Crocodile and Zebra. ‘Surprise!’ they all cried, and gave Tiger a big hug. They had a party with games, magic tricks and a large birthday cake.

‘This is the best birthday ever,’ Tiger looked up in the tree for said Tiger. his friends the monkeys, but they were nowhere to be seen. Tiger wondered where all his friends were. He got out of the water and made his way to the big palm tree beside the swamp. There was no one there. Suddenly Tiger felt very sad. He had no one with

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Why was Tiger excited? 2. What did Tiger do at the river? 3. Who was Tiger hoping to meet at the river? 4. After his swim, where did Tiger go? 5. Why was Tiger sad? 6. Who came out of the bushes? 7. What did the animals do at the party?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

wondered stretched excited cool swamp

Extension work 1.

What do you think Tiger and his friends ate at their party?

2.

If you could have a party, what games would you play and what food would you eat?

3.

Who would you invite to your party?

4.

Write a story about what happened on Crocodile’s birthday.

5.

How would you feel if you spent your birthday all alone? Think up some words to describe your feelings.

Vets

Marine is a vet at Sunnyhouse Surgery. Today she went out to Greenacre Farm to look at a sick cow called Maisy. She gave Maisy some pills and some medicine to make her better. At the farm, Marine also helped two sheep which had fallen over. They were limping badly so she bandaged their legs. Afterwards, Mr Green the farmer gave her a cup of tea and a big slice of cake.

Ted is another vet at Sunnyhouse Surgery. Today he treated Toffee the cat, who has a broken leg. Toffee got stuck in a tree. She became scared when a dog began barking next door. She jumped out of the tree and broke her leg. Ted has also helped a fox which was caught in a trap and hurt its leg. He put seven stitches in the fox’s leg. Ted has decided to call the fox Mr Brush. Megan is the nurse at Sunnyhouse Surgery. Today she has given the animals their food and cleaned out their cages. She changed their bandages and gave them their medicine. She says the best part of her job is when she sees the animals get better and go home.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Where has Marine been today? 2. What kind of animal is Maisy? 3. How did Marine help Maisy? 4. How did Marine help the sheep? 5. How did Toffee’s accident happen? 6. What happened to the fox? 7. What does Megan do at the surgery? 8. Which part of her job does Megan like best?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

limping trap bandage

Extension work 1.

List some of the things you think a vet might do as part of their work.

2.

Write a list of the animals that you think a vet might treat in a week.

3.

Would you like to work at a vet’s surgery? Explain why.

4.

Imagine you are Toffee or Mr Brush. Describe in detail what happened to you.

5.

Write about what happens to Mr Brush when his leg gets better.

6.

Write a story set on Greenacre Farm.

7.

Write a true or make-believe story about taking your own pet to the vet.

The Potion

Molly Mole stared at Reggie Rat. He had gone completely green and he was getting bigger and bigger! ‘Oh no!’ cried Molly, ‘you should never have drunk that juice.’ Reggie looked at his growing legs and wished he hadn’t drunk the mixture in the little jug. But it had looked so tempting and it had tasted delicious. Of course, they both knew they should never have gone into the witch’s cave. Molly looked around at the shelves, with their hundreds of coloured bottles. Then she looked at the table where three fat spell books lay. What could they do to reverse the effects of the juice? ‘I wish I hadn’t drunk it,’ squealed Reggie as his ears touched the top of the cave roof. Suddenly there was a blinding flash. Molly Mole blinked and rubbed her eyes. The cave was empty. ‘Oh no!’ cried Molly in horror. ‘Reggie’s vanished!’

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. What kind of animal is Molly? 2. What kind of animal is Reggie? 3. Who or what owns the cave where they are? 4. What has Reggie drunk? 5. What does the drink do to Reggie? 6. What is on the shelves in the cave? 7. Which phrase tells us that Reggie regrets having drunk the juice? 8. What does Molly think the spell books can do to help? 9. What finally happens to Reggie?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

blinding tempting reverse

Extension work 1.

If you were Molly Mole, how would you try to get Reggie back?

2.

Imagine you are Reggie. Where have you found yourself and what is it like there?

3.

Invent a magic spell. Write down the words you need to say, and what magic the spell will do.

4.

Suppose you are the witch who owns the cave. You walk in just as Reggie vanishes. What do you do and say?

5.

If you were an animal, what would you like to be, and why?

Alien Invasion? In the army headquarters on Planet Zoid, Colonel-in-Chief Poz-zing smiled at her commanders. ‘Earth is ready for invasion,’ she told them firmly. ‘Humans are foolish creatures who know nothing of the universe. Their intelligence is limited. They have no force shield to protect them so they will be easy to overcome. Their forces are weak; ours are strong. I think we must attack now.’ ‘What do you plan to do with the Earthlings, Colonel?’ asked Commander Wong. ‘I think that

most of them should be killed but some should be captured. They might be useful. We could drain their brains to try and find out if any intelligence exists.’ There was a murmur of agreement from the other Zoidians. ‘And Earth?’ questioned Commander Weng. ‘What will happen to Planet Earth? Much of it is already destroyed through the Earthlings’ foolishness. We should retrain them and help them to mend the damage they have done. I cannot see anything to be gained by destroying them or draining their brains.’ There was silence in the army headquarters. Colonel-in-Chief Poz-zing frowned. She was not fond of Earthlings. They had caused nothing but trouble, to their own planet and to others. ‘We will vote according to the rules of Planet Zoid,’ she decided. ‘Then we will know what to do.’

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence. 1. What is the name of the Zoidian army’s Colonel-inChief? 2. What does the Colonel-in-Chief think of the people who live on Earth (Earthlings)? 3. What does Commander Wong want to do with the Earthlings? 4. What does Commander Weng suggest they do with the Earthlings? 5. What do you think a Force Shield might be? 6. How do we know that the Earthlings will be easy to defeat? 7. The Zoidian Colonel-in-Chief is not fond of the Earthlings. Why is this?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

invasion

foolish

intelligence

vote

Extension work 1.

2. 3.

4.

5. 6.

Commander Weng wants to ‘mend the damage’ the Earthlings have done. What damage do you think the Earthlings have done? Describe some things Earthlings could do to make Planet Earth a better place. Commanders Weng and Wong have different views. If you were a commander on Zoid, which of them would you agree with, and why? Imagine you are an Earthling visiting the army headquarters on Planet Zoid. You want to give a speech on behalf of all the people on Earth. What would you say to persuade the Zoidians not to invade Earth? Write a character profile on Colonel-in-Chief Poz-zing or one of her commanders. Write a story about the invasion of Earth by aliens.

Birthday Cakes It was the last week of February at the Arches School, and there were five birthdays in Class 2B. At Arches School, when children had a birthday, they brought in a cake to share with the class.

next day. It was in the shape of a number eight and had chocolate icing all over it.

Daisy’s cake was the largest. She brought it in on Friday. It was in the shape of a green dragon with bright red scales On Monday, Soo brought in a on the top of its body. But it cake in the shape of a football. was the end of the week, and everyone was fed up with She loves sport and goes to cake. So when it was nearly football club every Thursday. On Tuesday, Tommy brought in home time, and she shared a cake in the shape of a pirate out the cake, everyone asked for a really small piece. ship. On Wednesday, Melanie brought in a cake which looked like a castle. During playtime one of the windows and a turret fell off, which made her cry. Ben’s cake appeared the

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. On which day did Soo bring in her cake? 2. Where does Soo go every Thursday? 3. On which day did Ben bring in his cake? 4. What did Ben’s cake look like? 5. Describe Daisy’s cake. 6. Who brought in the castle cake? 7. Why did Melanie cry? 8. What is the name of the children’s school? 9. How did everyone feel about cake by the end of the week?

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

share turret dragon’s scales

Extension work 1.

Something awful happens to one of Class 2B’s cakes! What do you think happens and to which cake?

2.

Which cake do you like the sound of best and why?

3.

Imagine one of the cakes turns into a real thing. Which cake is it and what happens next?

4.

Imagine it is your birthday. What type of cake would you like to have and why would you choose it?

5.

Write a story about a magic cake.

6.

Describe the birthday party of your dreams.

Lemonade

Professor Bharti Bhaskar has been working on a very important project for over twelve years, trying to turn sea water into lemonade. She is now close to success. Professor Bhaskar says that it will help sailors at sea. If they ever run out of water on board ship, they can collect sea water, add a small amount of her formula to it and the water will turn into lemonade. There are still a few problems, which Professor Bhaskar is working on: u

the formula has a rather nasty smell

u

it must be kept in a freezer at a temperature below –24ºC or it will go bad

u

people drinking the lemonade might become very itchy and bad-tempered.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. What is the name of the professor who has made the formula? 2. How long has the professor been working on the formula? 3. What does the formula do? 4. Who does the professor think will find her formula useful? 5. Where must you keep the formula to stop it going bad? 6. If you drink the formula after it has been added to sea water what might happen to you?

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

project success 2.

What do you think a formula is?

Extension work 1.

Do you think the formula is a good idea? Why do you think that?

2.

The professor asks you to think up a name for her new formula. What would you call it?

3.

How do you think the professor felt when she realized she had turned water to lemonade?

4.

If you could invent a formula, what would it be for?

5.

There was another problem with the formula but Professor Bhaskar has sorted it out now. Decide what the problem was.

Local Goats Escape from Farm

Dudbury Gazette

GOATS ESCAPE

T H R E E G O AT S escaped from their pen on a local farm last night. The goats were wellknown to locals as they had appeared in television commercials for Oak Tree Farm’s goat milk products. The goats were last seen by farmhand David Topps making their way up the hill known as Tor Scragg.

The owner of Oak Tree Farm, Tara Huggins, is surprised and upset. ‘The goats had a lovely life here on the farm,’ Ms Huggins told local reporter, Ben Sweet. ‘They had a beautiful pen and plenty of food. We gave them a good brushing every day to keep their coats clean and free of knots. I can’t understand why they would want to go to Tor Scragg. It’s windy up there, and

the ground can be very put out her washing on together with burnt-out the line. ‘I know how fi reworks and the leftboggy.’ much they like to eat over bits of various raw Last night Farmer my washing,’ she said. vegetables. People in Huggins scattered raw ‘Perhaps it will bring Dudbury are wondering vegetables around the them home. Meanwhile, whether the goats fi elds and the house to early-morning walkers have been celebrating attract the runaways on Tor Scragg have their freedom with a Meanwhile, home. reported the remains fi reworks party. Huggins’ sister, Lucy, of a small bonfi re,

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. How many goats have escaped from the farm?

2. Why were the goats already well-known to local people?

3. Where does the farm owner think the goats have gone?

4. Tara Huggins is surprised that the goats have escaped from the farm. Why is that?

5. What has the farmer’s sister done to bring the goats back?

6. Why did Tara brush the goats’ coats?

Word work 1.

2.

Give the meaning of the following words:

farmhand

scattered

runaway

boggy

Give a word which means the opposite of:

clean 3. 4.

escaped

raw

In your own words, explain what a television commercial is. What are goat milk products?

Extension work 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6.

What evidence in the passage suggests the goats are enjoying themselves on Tor Scragg? Imagine you are one of the goats. Tell the newspaper reporter why you escaped from the farm. Write a story about what the goats do next. Name some of the jobs you think a farmhand might do. Imagine there is something dangerous on Tor Scragg. What can it be and will it pose a danger to the goats? Invent some names for the goats.

Snagwit Castle Beautiful Snagwit Castle is up for sale. Its current owner, Griff Grunt, says the castle is too creepy for him and the ghosts are driving him mad. There are four ghosts at Snagwit. Lady Mary is said to haunt the small, blue music room, and Custard the Great Dane haunts the stables. Custard died 500 years ago while attempting to rescue his master, Lord Henry Snagwit, from drowning in the castle’s moat. Mr Grunt says that Custard’s barking keeps him awake at night. The other ghosts are the Mad Piper, who can be heard playing

his bagpipes from the north tower every Sunday evening at 10 o’clock, and Soppy Sally who goes around the castle turning on taps. This has meant constant flooding, which has cost Mr Grunt a small fortune in repairs. Mr Grunt no longer lives in the castle itself, but in a caravan in the grounds.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Why is Snagwit Castle up for sale? 2. What is the name of the current owner? 3. How many ghosts lives at Snagwit Castle? 4. How long ago did Custard die? 5. How does Custard annoy Mr Grunt? 6. Why is there constant flooding at Snagwit? 7. Where does Lady Mary do her haunting? 8. Where does Mr Grunt live now?

Word work 1.

2.

Give the meaning of the following words:

flooding

rescue

creepy

haunt

The flooding has cost Mr Grunt a small fortune. What do you think this means?

Extension work 1.

Would you like to live at Snagwit Castle? Why is that?

2.

Imagine you are an estate agent. Your job is to sell Snagwit Castle. Write a short description of the castle, making it sound like a good place to live.

3.

Use your imagination. Another ghost has started haunting Snagwit Castle. What is its name and what does it do?

4.

Write a story explaining how the Mad Piper comes to be a ghost at the castle.

Blastoes Blastoes Frootee House Westington Cumbria April 1st

Dear Mother, I thought you would like to know about the launch of our new sweet, Blastoes, last week. The idea for Blastoes came from Desmond. He suggested we design some sweets that explode gently in your mouth. We launched the sweets outside our factory. A helicopter dropped hundreds of packets of Blastoes which floated down on little parachutes. There were a good number of people there in the street to enjoy this, including the mayor. Blastoes come in lots of flavours including pineapple, chocolate and fudgemarshmallow delight. My favourite is the apple pie and custard flavour. I’ll get my secretary to send you a selection. Desmond and I are very hopeful that we will make enough from the new sweets so that I can retire. He will then take over running the factory from me. Blastoes go on sale in all shops on May 21st, and cost 78p a packet. Do tell all your friends to buy them! Your loving daughter, Maybelle Ngate

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. What are Blastoes? 2. Who runs the factory that makes Blastoes? 3. Where does Maybelle Ngate live? 4. How much will a packet of Blastoes cost? 5. When will Blastoes go on sale in the shops? 6. Name some of the flavours you will be able to buy. 7. A launch happens when something new is introduced to the public. Describe how Blastoes were launched. 8. Describe what makes Blastoes different from other sweets when you eat them.

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

flavour selection explode

Extension work 1.

Who might Desmond be? Give reasons for your answer.

2.

Do you think the name Blastoes is a good name for these sweets? Give reasons for your answer.

3.

Choose a name for some new sweets. What are the sweets like?

4.

Imagine you are going to launch a new sweet to the public and the newspapers. The idea is to make people want to buy your sweets. What would you do to make the launch special?

5.

Write Maybelle’s mother’s reply to this letter.

The Gumbo Tree

Far away where the hills are green and the rains water the earth daily, grows the Gumbo Tree. Its trunk is red, and on the spreading branches are long thorns and huge, flat, yellow leaves which move gently in the breeze, giving off a sweet smell of toffee. When the heavy rains pour down, these leaves protect you like an umbrella and keep you dry. The Gumbo Tree has magical powers. If you visit one on

the night of a full moon it will grant you three wishes. Pick one of the tiny bitter fruits and squash it, wiping the juice on your hands and face. Then speak your wishes to the tree. The Gumbo Tree is also the home of the tiny Twiggle bird, which makes its nest in the topmost branches. The tree’s thorns protect the Twiggle bird from predators and the bird provides company for the Gumbo Tree.

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. What colour is the Gumbo Tree’s trunk? 2. What colour are the Gumbo Tree’s leaves? 3. What do the leaves smell like? 4. What magical power does the tree have? 5. When does the tree’s magic work? 6. What creature lives in the Gumbo Tree and where can it be found? 7. In what way are the tree’s leaves useful? 8. What do you have to do before asking for your wishes? 10. Descibe how the Gumbo Tree and the Twiggle bird help on another.

Word work Give the meaning of the following words:

protect predator topmost bitter

Extension work 1.

Make a list of words used to describe the Gumbo Tree.

2.

Suppose you found a Gumbo Tree at full moon. What three wishes would you ask for?

3.

Imagine that pirates have camped under the Gumbo Tree at full moon. What do you think they might wish for?

4.

Invent some other magical powers for the tree.

5.

Write a story about something else which has surprising magical powers.

Space Station Lucy

From: Gerz







To: Tombo

Subject: Space Station Lucy



cc:

Hi Tombo, Today we caught the space shuttle to Space Station Lucy. It was great! We had to put on special spacesuits and helmets. Only 50 passengers are allowed on each shuttle. Mum and Gramps were terrified when the rocket carrying the shuttle took off. We could hear the engines roaring behind us and I thought my head was going to drop off, the noise was so bad. As soon as we left Earth’s atmosphere everything was much quieter and the shuttle broke away from the rocket. We could see the rocket falling back to Earth from the windows. The shuttle stewards came around with food and drinks in funny little packets and tubes. It took eight hours to get to the Space Station. The Space Station looks like a giant bubble. It has all these walkways sprouting out of it which lead to smaller bubbles and more walkways. It’s a really fantastic place! You can go space-jumping. You can also go to the Moon, using another shuttle. Mum bought tickets for the Moon trip next week and I’m going space-jumping tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to both of those. We don’t need to wear our spacesuits in the hotel, only outside. You have to wear a safety line when you are outside, too. Wish you were here. Love, Gerz

Questions Answer the following questions with a full sentence: 1. Who is the email written to? 2. How did Gerz and his family travel to the Space Station? 3. How many people are allowed on the space shuttle? 4. How long did the shuttle take to get to Space Station Lucy? 5. Using the passage to help you, describe Space Station Lucy. 6. What activities is Gerz looking forward to? 7. Why do you think a safety line is necessary? 8. Compare the food you would get on an areoplane and that on board Gerz’s shuttle.

Word work 1.

Give the meaning of the following words:

helmet steward passenger 2.

Write out some of the adjectives you can find in the passage.

Extension work 1.

Why do you think Mum and Gramps were terrified when the shuttle took off?

2.

Imagine you are Gerz. Write an email to Tombo telling him about your trip to the Moon.

3.

Invent some activities you can do at the Space Station. Which of these activities would you like to try?

4.

Imagine you are a shopkeeper at Space Station Lucy. What souvenirs would you sell in your shop?

5.

Make a list of things Gerz needed to pack for the holiday at the space station.

Answers Sporty Animals (page 14) Questions 1. There are five sporty animals. 2. A hippo is skating. (OR Harriet Hippo is skating) 3. Zelda Zebra is going to play tennis. 4. Leo Lion plays football. (OR The lion likes to play football). 5. Darko Dog is snowboarding. 6. The dog and the giraffe are warmly dressed. (OR sensible variations on this) Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) Bonfire Night (page 17) Questions 1. Lucy and her friends wear scarves and hats to keep warm. 2. The fireworks light up the sky. 3. The bonfire flames reach the trees. 4. Lucy eats hot potatoes with butter. 5. The happy children wave the sparklers in the air. Word work 1. Friend – someone you like very much and play with Crisp – (in this context) means that the air is cold Wrap – to cover with their scarves and clothes 2. ‘Coloured rain’ is a way of describing the fireworks.

Extension work 1. Bonfire night is special because we remember when Guy Fawkes and his friends failed to blow up King Charles I and the Houses of Parliament. (answers may vary) 2. People put a Guy on the top of their bonfire. 3. To keep safe you should stay away from the fireworks because they are dangerous and you should wear gloves to protect your hands when holding sparklers. (answers will vary: keep away from the bonfire, hold your parents’ hands, don’t touch fireworks that have not gone off, keep your pets inside) 4–5. (Answers will vary) Owl and Squirrel (page 20) Questions 1. Samuel lives high up in an old oak tree. 2. Samuel is a squirrel. 3. Samuel visits Wise Owl. 4. Wise Owl was very good at playing chess. 5. Samuel wants to be the forest chess champion. 6. Samuel thinks he can learn to be a better player by playing with Wise Owl. Word work Silky – smooth and soft (like silk) Wise – clever and intelligent Champion – someone who has won something perhaps many times Extension work (Answers require a personal

response and will therefore vary.) Mary Mouse (page 23) Questions 1. Mary lives in a small house. 2. Mary’s house is pink. 3. Mary is a mouse. 4. Fred is a frog. 5. Fred lives in a pond. 6. Mary and Fred usually have tea in the kitchen. 7. When it is hot they go outside. Word work Sometimes – when you do something occasionally but not all the time Visit – when you pay a call on someone (go on a visit) Cool – when the temperature is neither hot nor cold Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) Rubbish Collection (page 26) Questions 1. Six animals took part in the competition. 2. The winner was Rupee Rat. 3. Diva Dog came third. 4. Rupee is a rat. 5. Rupee collected six bags of rubbish. 6. They collected 14 bags of rubbish altogether. 7. Freda’s bag burst. 8. The mice sisters are called Dawn and Nadine. Word work Disqualified – when you are stopped from participating in an event

because you have done something wrong or something happens which automatically stops you from continuing Competitor – someone who competes in an event or competition Extension work 1. I think there was a lot of rubbish because the people in the village are really untidy. OR I think that there was a lot of rubbish because the foxes got to the rubbish bins and emptied them all out whilst looking for scraps. OR I think there was a lot of rubbish because in the night there was a terrible storm which blew all the bins over and scattered the rubbish everywhere. (Accept anything else novel and persuasive.) 2–4. (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) The Terrible Day (page 29) Questions 1. Fox was having a terrible day. 2. Fox’s teabag had burst in the cup. 3. The weather was wet because it was raining. 4. Fox missed his bus because he was too busy looking for his umbrella. 5. The office was locked because it was Sunday and no one works on a Sunday! Word work Burst – when something opens up emptying the contents when it is not expected Umbrella – an implement

which keeps people dry or shaded Busy – when you have a lot to do Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) Racehorses (page 32) Questions 1. Jumping Jack is only six years old. 2. Jumping Jack is owned by Gregori Bottletof. 3. The youngest horse is Jumping Jack. (OR Jumping Jack is the youngest horse.) 4. Hot Potato does not enjoy racing. 5. Hot Potato would rather be in a field eating grass. 6. Sally Slipper is Jumping Jack’s rider. 7. Chilli Pepper eats out of gold bowls. 8. Chilli Pepper’s favourite treat is strawberry ice cream. Word work 1. Important – very prestigious Treat – something special to eat or drink Gentle – when someone or something is not rough 2. This means that strawberry ice cream is the food she likes the most. Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) Pirates (page 35) Questions 1. The pirates were on the

2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

ship. The pirates hoped to find treasure on the island. They knew where the treasure was because they could see a cross on the ground. They did not land on the island. The octopus believed that the treasure belonged to him. The octopus lifted the boat into the air and tossed it high into the sky. It did this because it thought that the pirates were hoping to steal the treasure.

Word work Jolly boat – another name for a small rowing boat usually attached to a larger vessel Tentacles – the legs of an octopus Hissed – when you speak under your breath and through your teeth Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) Stables (page 38) Questions 1. The Cobble Stables are in Yorkshire. 2. The stables are owned by Owen Hotpants. 3. Before he bought the stables Owen was a jockey. 4. Thirty five horses live at The Cobble Stables. 5. Owen’s favourite horse is Hot Chocolate. 6. Hot Chocolate has recently won the Sunshine Stakes. 7. The secret to Owen’s success is the care and attention he gives the horses

8. The fitness centre is used to exercise injured horses. Word work Jockey – rider of a horse in a horse race Injured – when you are hurt Fitness – how fit and healthy you are Health – how you feel and how your body is feeling Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) Girish Patek and the Magic Carpet (page 41) Questions 1. Girish is cleaning out the attic. 2. In the attic Girish found, old lamps, broken chairs, pictures and a dirty table. 3. On top of the big box is a train set. 4. Girish Patek’s son is called Deepak. 5. His son likes playing with his computer. 6. Girish stood on the carpet in order to look at the patterns. 7. The carpet is special because it is magic. 8. I think the carpet will … (personal response required). Word work Attic – topmost room in a house often where things are stored Lamp – a device that gives light Twitch – when a part of the body moves convulsively of its own accord Flutter – the movement the carpet makes as it begins to rise

Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) Magic Kettle (page 44) Questions 1. Mr Frost’s kettle was not working. 2. Mr Frost wanted to make a cup of tea. 3. Mr Frost called Mrs Frost. 4. Mr Frost went to the kitchen shop. 5. Mr Frost bought a bright green kettle. 6. When he got back he plugged the kettle in and then found that it could talk. Word work Kettle plug – the attachment which goes into the socket and makes the kettle work Plugged it in – putting the lead with the plug attached into the socket so that the kettle will work Very cross – angry Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) Chalices (page 47) Questions 1. The gold coins come from a wrecked ship. 2. The Cup of Coins is guarded by a big, red dragon. 3. The Cup of Dreams is made of glass. 4. The Cup of Darkness was made over two hundred years ago. 5. The Cup of Darkness is made from bad thoughts. 6. The Cup of Darkness was mended by the river fairies. 7. The Cup of Dreams makes

you invisible. Word work Chalice – a special cup or goblet Invisible – when you cannot be seen by others Guarded – protected Wrecked – destroyed (usually referred to ships) Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) Musicians (page 50) Questions 1. Marta plays the piano. 2. Rosco plays the double bass. 3. ‘The Dolphin’ is difficult to play because it is only played on one string. 4. Marta started learning her instrument when she was only two years old. 5. When she is not travelling, Marta lives at home with her goldfish and dog Leo. 6. Marta’s favourite piece of music is Daisy Sweets’ Fifth Symphony. 7. Rosco drinks tomato juice before playing to give him energy. 8. Anneka was born in Birmingham. 9. Anneka teaches in her old school, Mossbury. Word work Performance – when you play in front of an audience you give a performance Recorder – a musical instrument you blow through Favourite – the thing or piece of music you like to play best of all Jester – someone whose job is

to make others laugh Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) The Talking Cat (page 53) Questions 1. Fluffy is a ginger cat. 2. Fluffy can talk. 3. Fluffy wants to change three things. 4. Fluffy wants to sleep at the end of Freddy’s bed. 5. Fluffy normally sleeps in the kitchen. 6. He dislikes sleeping in the kitchen because it is cold. 7. Fluffy wants to change his name because he hates it and because he thinks the other cats will respect him more. 8. Someone else is in charge and giving orders. Word work Strange – odd or peculiar Disgusting – not very nice to eat Fresh – new Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) Hoggly School Vegetable Competition (page 56) Questions 1. Class 2 showed their beautiful, red carrots. 2. Class 2 watered their carrots with tea to help them grow. 3. Class 3 showed their enormous cucumbers. 4. Class 5 received first prize. 5. The radish was the size of a football. 6. Mrs Dibley measured the circumference of the

cabbage. 7. The phrase is ‘the cucumbers were nearly twice as long as the ones in the shops’. 8. Mrs Dibley is the Chair of Governors. Word work Enormous – very large Measured – when you take a measuring tape and find out how big something is Circumference – the distance around the middle of something Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) Rocket Boy (page 59) Questions 1. Rafi is also known as Rocket Boy because he is a superhero. 2. When he turns into Rocket Boy he plays football with planets for fun. 3. He is using a purple, crystal rock as a night light because if you tap it, it flashes. 4. Snowball is a cat. 5. Snowball fell asleep in the basket of a hot-air balloon and the balloon took off with Snowball inside. 6. Rafi rescued Snowball by flying into the air, jumping into the basket and grabbing Snowball. Word work A superhero - someone with special powers who can help others Flash – to light up Rescue – to come to someone’s aid/assistance

Extension work 1. I think Mr Simpkin felt very worried/sad/upset/alarmed/ frightened when he realized Snowball was missing. (answers may vary – someone might come up with the idea that perhaps Mr Simpkin doesn’t care much about Snowball and so is not particularly upset that he is missing!) 2. I think Mr Simpkin thanked Rafi for finding Snowball. 3–7. (Answers to questions will vary) Horticultural Show (page 62) Questions 1. The Dugby Horticultural Show is held every year in Daisybank Park. 2. The show was started by Farzia Ahmed. 3. She started the show nearly twenty years ago. 4. Farzia always enters her favourite rose, the Bollifant Pink. 5. This year, Tony Scratchit won the prize for best rose. His white rose was called Mrs Scratchit! 6. Hugo Brightface won the prize for the heaviest tomato. 7. Marie Wigglebottom won a prize for the largest marrow. 8. Her brother Pierre brought the tomato to the show in a hearse. Word work 1. Horticultural – to do with growing flowers, plants and vegetables Hearse – a vehicle used for carrying coffins 2. Farzia was ‘far from pleased’

because she had been hoping to win the show again for another year and this time she did not. It means she is not very happy at not having won. 3. Started – ended Win – lose Largest – smallest Lift – drop Extension work (Answers will vary.) The Pony Show (page 65) Questions 1. Tiffany’s pony is called Sunbeam. 2. The pony had been expected to win first prize for the Best Decorated Pony. 3. Sunbeam shocked everyone as he bolted out of the ring, bucked and threw his rider from the saddle and then galloped off to the village pond. 4. The local farmer thought it was the ribbons which had upset the pony. 5. Sunbeam had been decorated with ribbons in his mane and tail. 6. Lara Trotting won the first prize for Best Kept Pony. 7. Ivor Cleanly’s pony was called Mr Potter. 8. Lily MacElroy was riding Boxer. Word work 1. Bucked – when a horse raises its rear and kicks out with its legs Bolted – when something or someone rushes out very quickly Shocked – to be suddenly surprised and horrified

2. Tipped to win means that everyone believes that a particular person or pony is going to win and has possibly placed money on it. Extension work (Answers will vary.) Florists in Maybury (page 68) Questions 1. Mariella Tangle owns Wonderflowers. 2. Mariella’s favourite flower is the Sharkflower because the flower looks just like a shark’s head and the spiky leaves sting. 3. She considers being near the railway station a good place because people getting on and off trains might buy flowers as a present for someone they are visiting. (Responses may vary) 4. Flower Power is owned by Herbert Bullock. 5. You can only buy roses at Flower Power. 6. Bullock’s Baby is a new rose that Herbet has grown. It has beautiful purple and gold petals. 7. Tarragon and Tansy Patterson run the market stall. 8. The phrase ‘is very excited about the new rose’ tells us Herbert Bulock is pleased. Word work Florist – someone who sells flowers Posy – a small bouquet of flowers that can be held easily by hand Variety – means that there are many flowers from which to choose

Extension work (Answers will vary.) On the Glacier (page 71) Questions 1. Amber, Rory and Coco waved goodbye to their friends. 2. The youngsters are making their way up the glacier 3. Their legs felt like jelly. 4. The ice is dangerous because it is bumpy and slippery and they might fall into a crevasse. 5. They crossed the crevasse by walking across a metal ladder. 6. The camp cook had hot chocolate waiting for them. 7. It took three house of climbing before they got to camp. Word work Slippery – when something is very difficult to walk on because it is smooth and shiny Glacier – a river of ice Crevasse – a deep crack in the ice which can be miles long Youngster – young person Extension work (Answers will vary as a personal response is required.) Potion for Making Pigs Fly (page 74) Questions 1. The potion is meant to make pigs fly! 2. You need three daisies. 3. You mix the stardust with the lemon juice. 4. You have to crumble the slice of rainbow into the mixture. 5. When the mixture is ready you have to put it in a small jar and seal it tightly.

6. You have to leave the jar under a wishing tree until the next full moon. 7. The tip tells us/reminds us to use fresh daisies. 8. I would look in the book of Spells and Potions. Word work 1. Potion – is meant to be a magical liquid/mixture made by wizards or witches Ingredients – these are the items people use when they make something Crumble – means to break something up into small pieces 2. Seal tightly – if you seal something tightly it means you make sure the top/lid is firmly screwed on Extension work (Answers will vary.) Tiger’s Birthday (page 77) Questions 1. Tiger was excited because it was his birthday. 2. At the river, Tiger had a swim. 3. He was hoping to meet his friend Crocodile and his friends the monkeys. 4. After his swim he made his way to the big palm tree beside the swamp. 5. Tiger was sad because he had no one with whom to share his birthday. 6. Out of the bushes came the monkeys, Crocodile and Zebra. 7. At the party they had games, magic tricks and a large birthday cake.

Word work Wondered – to think about something Stretched – when you flex and move your legs and arms/ muscles Excited – to be looking forward to doing something Cool – when something (in this case the water) is not hot but slightly cold Swamp – a boggy, muddy area Extension work (Answers require a personal response and will therefore vary.) Vets (page 80) 1. Marine has been to Greenacre Farm. 2. Maisy is a cow. 3. Marine gave Maisy some pills and medicine to make her better. 4. She bandaged the legs of the sheep to make them feel better. 5. Toffee broke her leg when she got stuck up a tree. She then became scared when a dog barked, jumped out of the tree and broke her leg. 6. The fox was caught in a trap. 7. Megan is the nurse at the surgery. She gives the animals their food, cleans out their cages, changes their bandages and gives them their medicine. 8. The best part of Megan’s job is when the animals get better and go home. Word work Limping – when you cannot walk properly and hop slightly on one leg Trap – a device which is meant for catching animals

Bandage – something that you tie around an injured animal or person to keep their dressing in place and to stop a wound becoming dirty and infected Extension work (Answers require a personal response and so they will vary.) The Potion (page 83) Questions 1. Molly is a mole. 2. Reggie is a rat. 3. The cave is owned by the witch. 4. Reggie has drunk some juice. 5. The drink has turned Reggie green and he is now getting bigger and bigger. 6. On the shelves are hundreds of bottles. 7. The phrase ‘I wish I hadn’t drunk that’ tells us Reggie regrets drinking the juice. 8. Molly thinks the spell books can reverse the effects. 9. In the end, Reggie vanishes. Word work Blinding – when something is very bright it hurts your eyes Tempting – when something is so appealing you really want to touch/eat/drink it Reverse – to do the opposite of something Extension work (Answers require a personal response and so they will vary.) The Alien Invasion? (page 86) Questions 1. The Zoidian army’s Colonel-in-Chief is called Poz-zing.

2. The Colonel-in-Chief thinks that humans are foolish creatures who know nothing of their universe and their intelligence is limited. 3. Commander Wong wants to kill most of the humans but also capture some so that they can have their brains drained! 4. Commander Weng would like to retrain the humans and help them to mend the damage they have done. She cannot see what will be gained by draining their brains. 5. I think a force shield is a special invisible force that protects a planet/Earth from attack by aliens. 6. Poz-zing knows their forces are weak. 7. Poz-zing is not fond of earthlings because they had caused nothing but trouble, to their own planet and others. Word work Invasion – when a place is attacked and taken over by an outside intruder or force Intelligence – someone or something which is clever Foolish – to be stupid or not clever Vote – to come to an agreement with others by voting Extension work (Answers require a personal response and so they will vary.) Birthday Cakes (page 89) Questions 1. Soo brought in her cake on Monday. 2. Soo goes to football club every Thursday. 3. Ben brought his cake in on

4. 5.

6. 7.

8. 9.

Thursday. Ben’s cake was in the shape of a number eight. Daisy’s cake was the largest. It was in the shape of a green dragon with bright red scales. Melanie brought in the castle cake. Melanie cried because during playtime one of the windows and a turret fell off. The children’s school is called the Arches. By the end of the week everyone was fed up with cake.

Word work Share – to give a piece of something to others Turret – a round room situated on the side or corner of a castle Dragon’s scales – the rough skin that covers a dragon’s body Extension work (Answers require a personal response and so they will vary.) Lemonade (page 92) Questions 1. The name of the professor who has made the formula is Professor Bharti Bhaskar. 2. She has been working on the formula for twelve years. 3. The formula is supposed to turn sea water into lemonade. 4. The Professor thinks that the formula will be useful for sailors at sea. 5. You must keep the formula in a freezer at a temperature below -24°C or it will go bad.

6. If you drink the formula after it has been added to sea water you might become very itchy and bad tempered. Word work 1. Project – something that you are working on, ie an experiment or thesis or diary Success – when you are successful doing something, ie when something you are doing works 2. A formula is a special mixture that when added to something else transforms it into something different. Extension work (Answers will vary as a personal response is required.) Local Goats Escape from Farm (page 95) Questions 1. Three goats have escaped from the farm. 2. The goats were already well known to local people as they had appeared in television commercials. 3. The farm owner thinks that they have gone up to Tor Scragg. 4. Tara is surprised because they had a lovely life on the farm. 5. The farmer’s sister has hung the washing on the line to try and bring them home as they like to eat washing. 6. Tara brushed the goats’ coats to keep them clean and free of knots.

Word work 1. Farmhand – someone who helps the farmer on the farm Scattered – spread around Escaped – manage to get free Runaway – when something or someone runs away from something or someone Boggy – land that is wet and soggy from too much rain 2. Clean – dirty Raw – cooked 3. A television commercial is a short piece of film that advertises a product to people. 4. Goat milk products are things like milk, cheese or butter which have been made from goat’s milk. Extension work (Answers will vary as a personal response is required.) Snagwit Castle (page 98) Questions 1. Snagwit Castle is up for sale because the owner says it is too creepy for him and the ghosts are driving him mad. 2. The current owner is called Griff Grunt. 3. There are four ghosts at Snagwit. 4. Custard died 500 years ago. 5. Custard annoys Mr Grunt by barking. 6. There is constant flooding because Soppy Sally goes around turning on all the taps. 7. Lady Mary haunts the small, blue music room. 8. Mr Grunt now lives in a caravan in the grounds.

Word work 1. Flooding – when an area is covered in water Creepy – when something makes you feel uncomfortable and scared Rescue – save someone or something Haunt – what ghosts do, which is to frequent places 2. ‘Cost Mr Grunt a small fortune’ means that it has cost him a great deal of money to repair the flood damage. Extension work (Answers will vary as a personal response is required.)

a choice Explode – when something erupts, in this case when the sweets burst open in your mouth Extension work 1. I think Desmond is Maybelle’s son because we are told that he is going to take over the factory from her when she retires and often a member of your family would do this. 2–5. (Answers will vary as a personal response is required.)

Blastoes (page 101) Questions 1. Blastoes are a new sweet. 2. Maybelle Ngate runs the factory. 3. Maybelle lives in Frootee House, in Cumbria. 4. A packet of Blastoes will cost 78p. 5. They will go on sale in all the shops on the 21st May. 6. Some of the flavours you can buy are pineapple, chocolate and fudgemallow delight and apple pie and custard. 7. Blastoes were launched outside the factory. A helicopter dropped hundreds of packets of Blastoes which floated down on little parachutes. 8. Blastoes are different from other sweets because they explode gently in your mouth.

The Gumbo Tree (page 104) Questions 1. The Gumbo Tree’s trunk is red. 2. The Gumbo Tree’s leaves are yellow. 3. The leaves smell like toffee. 4. The tree has magical powers because it can grant you three wishes. 5. The tree’s magic will work on the night of a full moon. 6. The Twiggle bird lives in the topmost branches of the Gumbo Tree. 7. The leaves of the Gumbo Tree are useful as an umbrella to keep you dry. 8. Before asking for your wishes you must pick one of the fruits, squash it and wipe the juice on your hands and face. 9. The Gumbo Tree’s thorns protect the Twiggle bird from predators and the Twiggle bird keeps the tree company.

Word work Flavour – the taste of something Selection – a large amount of something which gives you

Word work Protect – to look after something or someone Predator – something or

someone who preys on another for food Topmost – at the very top of something like a tree or mountain Bitter – sharp taste Extension work (Answers will vary as a personal response is required.) Space Station Lucy (page 107) Questions 1. The email is written to Tombo. 2. Gerz and his family travelled to the space station by space shuttle. 3. Only 50 people are allowed

4. 5.

6. 7. 8.

on the shuttle. It takes eight hours to get to the Space Station. (Answers will vary, accept detailed descriptions of the Space Station with appropriate use of the passage.) Gerz is looking forward to space-jumping and visiting the Moon. You wear a safety line to stop you floating out into space. The food on an aeroplane comes on trays and plates to eat with a knife and fork. The food on the shuttle comes in little packets and tubes.

Word work 1. Helmet – a special hat which protects your head Steward – someone on board the shuttle or an aircraft who looks after the passengers Passenger – someone who travels on board an aircraft 2. Funny, little, fantastic, great, terrified, giant. Extension work (Answers will vary as a personal response is required.)

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