Jack’s Kite Reading guide

Phonics focus

Lessons 17–20: w, y, v, z, j, x and mixed short vowels

Practise w, y, v, z, j, x and all five short vowels in these words: win, wet, wag, web, yam, yes, yet; van, vet, zip, zap, zig, zag, buzz, fuzz; jam, jet, jog, jug, fix, fox, box; hat, net, fin, hot, sun. Review the consonant sounds needed for each word before reading. Use the programme lessons to introduce new sounds; the story is original.

Bold red vowels and bold blue consonants show the focus sounds. Help children with other letters and patterns in the word when needed. A highlighted letter does not mean the whole word is independently decodable.

Adult supported words

An adult reads the title with the child. Introduce and help with these story words: and, ride, they, by, a, the, kite, he, on, grass, go, says, string, knot, can, we, asks, helps, eat. Kite and ride have a different i sound; they has a different vowel pattern. The w in we is highlighted, but its e is not short e. Knot has a silent k and needs adult help.

Before reading

Say the focus sounds. Blend three practice words. Look at the cover, name the setting and predict what might happen.

During reading

Read each sentence aloud together. Point to the highlighted letters, blend the focus words and reread naturally. Use Talk Together to discuss the character, problem, actions and ending.

Narrative structure

Jack’s kite will not rise. He and Dad find a knot, untangle the string, and enjoy flying the kite before their picnic.

After reading

Invite the child to retell what happened first, what went wrong, what the character tried and how the story ended. Reread the book to build confidence.

Review w, y, v, z and j; x represents /k/ plus /s/ in fix and box. Compare the five short vowels in the final practice set. Vet, web, jet and other guide words extend practice without forcing them into the narrative. Kite flying takes place in a gentle meadow with Dad, away from cliffs, roads and power lines.