Week 10, Guided Reading "Blue Whales" - Phonics Phase 5 - Worksheet

The "Blue Whales" guided reading session, aimed at children in Phonics Phase 5, invites students to delve into the fascinating world of the largest living creatures on Earth. The lesson includes a worksheet that encourages comprehension through a series of questions. Children are asked to describe the content of the book, reflect on the biggest animal they've ever seen, and learn about the immense size of blue whales. They explore specific terminology such as 'fluke' and are prompted to discover the diet of blue whales, their true colour, and whether they belong to the fish family. Additionally, the worksheet prompts children to consider the evolutionary connection between blue whales and land mammals, and the most effective methods for observing these majestic sea giants in their natural habitat.

The guided reading session not only aims to enhance reading comprehension but also to foster critical thinking and personal opinions. Children are encouraged to articulate whether they enjoyed the book and to explain their reasoning. Bonus questions extend the learning experience by asking whether the children would like to swim with a blue whale and how they can contribute to ocean conservation to protect these animals. The session also prompts them to think about other marine life. To consolidate their learning, children engage in activities such as completing the worksheet, quiet reading, playing with a water tray, and writing facts about an animal of their choosing. Moreover, they are tasked with creating a fact file page about blue whales, complete with a 'coolness rating', adding a fun and engaging element to the learning process.