Read, Write And Play - Theo The Fat Cat (3-7 years) - Teacher Notes

"Read, Write And Play: Theo The Fat Cat" is an engaging educational series designed for children aged between 3 and 7 years, aiming to enhance their literacy and comprehension skills through a combination of reading, writing, and creative play. For younger children in the 3-5 year age bracket, the approach is interactive and guided; adults are encouraged to read the story of 'Theo The Fat Cat' aloud, fostering a discussion around the narrative to answer any questions the child might have. Following this, children are invited to express their understanding and imagination by drawing a scene from the story, and with adult assistance, they can write a sentence about their artwork, practicing their handwriting by tracing or copying letters. Additionally, crafting a puppet based on the story provides a hands-on activity, culminating in a fun performance where the story is acted out.

For the slightly older cohort, children aged 5-7 years who have begun developing their reading abilities, the series offers a more independent experience. These children are encouraged to read the story themselves and express their comprehension by answering questions in full sentences. The questions are designed to develop a range of skills, including information retrieval, language use, and inferential thinking. Creativity is further nurtured as children colour in pictures related to the story, create their own illustrations, and write a personalised version of the tale. Completing the experience, the children make their own puppet and enjoy acting out the story, potentially with a parent or educator, which not only reinforces their understanding but also encourages interactive play and storytelling.