Week 22, Guided Reading "Plastic is Pants" - Phonics Phase 5 - Worksheet

The "Plastic is Pants" guided reading session is designed to engage Year 1 students in critical thinking about the environmental impact of plastic waste. The session falls under Phonics Phase 5, Week 22, and includes a worksheet that prompts comprehension through a series of questions. Students are asked to determine whether the book is fiction or non-fiction, reflect on their own waste disposal habits, and recount where the book states plastic can be found. The discussion extends to the detrimental effects of plastic on animals and what actions can be taken to mitigate these issues. The author's alternatives to using plastic, such as avoiding ice cream in a tub with a plastic spoon, are also explored, and students are encouraged to share an important fact they've learned.

To deepen their understanding, bonus questions challenge the students to identify items made from plastic and define natural materials, as well as estimate their own plastic waste generation. The activities accompanying the guided reading include completing the worksheet, quiet reading, creating a recycling poster based on the book's facts, and participating in a litter-picking walk. Furthermore, students are invited to write a book review, where they can express their thoughts on the content, share their favourite fact, and give the book a personal rating. This holistic approach to learning combines literacy with environmental education, fostering both reading skills and ecological awareness.