Ready to Read
My Dad by Shane Haua
A young boy vividly conveys how big his dad is by describing his own perceptions and making comparisons with the size of other family members. The illustrations are a rich source of information about the narrator’s relationship with his dad.
This text supports using a wide range of reading strategies, particularly the comprehension strategies of making connections and visualising. It’s a great model for writing.
Suitable for guided reading at the Yellow level.
Item 31618.
Skate Champs by Janice Marriott
This is a lively account of Luka’s experiences competing in the under-13 National Skate Championships. Luka has to work hard to compete against children who are twice his age, but his whole family is there to support him. The recount is followed by an interview with Luka about his skateboarding. (Luka also featured in the Magenta-level book Off I Go!, distributed in March 2006.)
Specific text features include vivid descriptive language, topic-specific vocabulary, text boxes, graphic elements within the layout, and a footnote. This text supports the comprehension strategies of making connections, summarising, and asking questions; it also provides opportunities to build and explore vocabulary.
Suitable for guided reading at the Purple level.
Item 31617.
Diwali by Asha Patel
This text describes an Indian girl’s experience of the festival of Diwali. Over the five days of the festival, she makes a rangoli pattern, prepares special food, goes visiting, wears new clothes, exchanges gifts, and performs at a concert.
This text has a very clear structure and sequence of events and includes a footnote and a pronunciation guide to the Hindi words. It supports the comprehension strategies of making connections, asking questions, and summarising.
Suitable for guided reading at the Purple level.
Item 31619.
Distribution
Copies of these resources are being distributed in November to schools with junior classes on the basis of roll size.
Note: The revised version of the Ready to Read emergent teacher support material will be available from term 1, 2007. The original material (first published in 2001) and updated vocabulary searches are available online at Ready to Read teacher support material.