Week 4, Guided Reading "Odd Critters" - Phonics Phase 5, unit 1 - Worksheet

The "Odd Critters" guided reading session is an engaging part of the Phonics Phase 5 curriculum, designed to enhance comprehension and phonics skills in young learners. It involves a worksheet that prompts students to explore the unique characteristics of various unusual animals, often referred to colloquially as 'critters'. The session includes a set of comprehension questions that encourage children to recall specific details about the animals featured in the book, such as identifying the creature that cannot see and the one with long tusks. Additionally, children are asked to explain the defensive mechanisms of the komondor and the reasons why a hairless cat might require suncream or a T-shirt.

The lesson is also designed to foster critical thinking and personal expression, with questions that invite students to articulate their opinions about the book and whether they would like to have any of the featured animals as pets. The activities extend beyond the worksheet, including quiet reading and collaborative tasks like generating a list of words with specific vowel patterns on giant sugar paper. Moreover, the children are encouraged to work as a group to research and discover additional facts about one of the 'odd critters' from the book, enhancing their teamwork and research skills. The worksheet itself serves as a 'Fact File', where students can jot down new information they've learned and illustrate the 'odd critters', making the learning experience both informative and creative.