Week 4, Guided Reading "Zud in the Mud" - Phonics Phase 3 - Worksheet

In the fourth week of the Phonics Phase 3 guided reading session, children explore the story "Zud in the Mud" through a series of comprehension questions designed to engage their critical thinking and reflection on the narrative. The questions prompt students to empathize with the characters by asking how they would feel if they encountered a Zud in the mud, and to analyze the emotions of the children within the story. They are encouraged to use evidence from the text to support their understanding of the characters' reactions and to predict future events in the story. Bonus questions extend the discussion, inviting children to relate their personal experiences with finding something mysterious and to hypothesize about how the Zud might have found itself in such a sticky situation.

Accompanying activities are crafted to reinforce the children's phonics knowledge and to provide a multi-sensory learning experience. These activities include grapheme practice, where children can write in soil with their fingers or a paintbrush, enhancing their tactile and fine motor skills. A worksheet is provided for further engagement, along with quiet reading time to foster independent learning. Additionally, a playful activity called 'What's in the Bag' adds an element of mystery and fun to the session, encouraging descriptive language and group interaction. The worksheet component of the session involves a creative task where children draw pictures to retell each stage of the "Sailor's Stories," aiding in the consolidation of their comprehension and storytelling abilities.