The Rain at Half-Time

Reading together

This story is designed for shared reading in Year 3. It is not a formally assessed independent reading level. An adult can model fluent reading, revisit sentences and invite children to join in. Read at the child’s pace. Children can listen, point, gesture, sign or join in with familiar words. Joining in is optional.

Before reading

Look at the title and cover. Introduce the characters and setting. Explore these five words with pictures, actions and familiar examples: touchline, defenders, referee, shelter, faded. Invite a prediction about what might happen.

During reading

Use Talk Together for a prompt on each page. Pause to compare what characters say with what they might feel. Invite predictions, look for evidence in the words and pictures, then read on to check. Notice how dialogue, small actions and humour reveal character.

After reading

Retell the match and explain how Tessa’s feelings change. Use her words and actions as clues. Discuss why people can feel pleased for a friend and disappointed at the same time. Discuss who helped and how the characters might feel. Accept different personal responses.

Narrative map

Character

Tessa, teammate Eli, Coach Mo and Grandad.

Setting

A junior football pitch during a rainy match.

Problem

Tessa hopes Grandad will see her score, but he is late and the match stops.

First attempt

She tries to score while keeping an eye on the gate.

New action

She passes to Eli; later Grandad and Eli describe what that pass meant.

Resolution and ending

Tessa enjoys talking about the pass and makes a plan with Eli for next week.

Activities with an adult

The eleven separate question cards include recall, word meaning, feelings, simple “why” questions and discussion. Read the questions and choices aloud and offer picture support. Explore five vocabulary words, build them from movable letters and order three story pictures. Invite children to say the word, notice its letters and build it; offer letter and sound support where needed. Mouse dragging, finger dragging, tap controls and keyboard controls are available. Use the light green and red feedback as a chance to look at the story again.

Choose a few activities at a time, according to the child’s interest. Use large play blocks, drawings or gestures to act out the story together.