Learning to read is so much more than just learning to decipher the sounds on the page. It’s always good to talk about the books that you have read with your children to make sure they have understood what has happened in the story, and encourage them to think a little deeper.
This week we have been reading “Go to Sleep or I Let Loose the Leopard” by Steve Cole.
This book is a funny bedtime story, with a few twists and an unexpected ending. I thought it would be ideal to use with our new Reading Comprehension Cubes to see how much Mr Z had understood from the story and what ideas he had about it.
We were sent a pack of 6 reading comprehension cubes from Learning Resources. These work like dice. You roll and see what question you have landed on, then use that question to help you think a bit more about the story.
Rather than using all of the cubes at once, Mr Z decided to use the red cubes with this book. (It’s his favourite colour)
Here’s what he had to say about Go to Sleep or I Let Loose the Leopard:
Q. What background did you bring to the story?
I know about bedtime. Mr R keeps getting out of his bed at bedtime.
Q. Identify any unfamiliar words in the title.
Leopard. Why has it got an O in it?
Q. Who is the author?
Steve Cole & Bruce Ingram (note: actually Bruce Ingram is the illustrator)
Q. What do the pictures tell you?
The babysitter wants them to go to sleep but the children are having a lot of fun.
Q. What does the title tell you about the story?
They are going to release a leopard. She is having to threaten them.
Q. Predict what will happen next in the story.
The robot and plant will have a fight in their bus and eat their arms.
Q. How might this story relate to your life?
My friends do things like this, they told me. Someone stayed up til 6.30am
Q. What questions do you have about the story?
Where did the leopard go after he got on the bus?
Q. What do the pictures on the cover tell you?
It makes you think the leopard is scary
Reading with the cubes was a great way to expand the story for Mr Z. It also made it feel more like a game, as the cubes are so much like dice. He enjoyed this activity and it definitely helped him to think about the story for longer than he otherwise would have.
The cubes are available from Learning resources for a pack of 6 cubes. They are recommended for age 6-12 years, as the answers can be given either simply or more in depth for older children. Mr Z is 5.5 years and I did explain a couple of the questions to him a bit more at his level, but the activity worked really well for him. These would be great prompts too if children wanted to start writing their own book reviews.
I would also definitely recommend the book Go to Sleep or I Let Loose the Leopard. It’s not predictable at all and it will provide a lot of laughs at bedtime. It’s best for around age 3-5 years.
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*Includes affiliate links. Products were sent as review samples
Those are a great idea, I’d love it if they did a set aimed at younger children.
Pippa Ainsworth recently posted…My Birthday Wishlist
The reading comprehension cubes sound like a fun idea – I’ve not seen them before.
Mums do travel recently posted…Afternoon tea at The Milestone Hotel
I love the idea of the reading comprehension cubes, anything that helps get children (in particularly boys) interested in reading and understanding books is a great idea
mellissa williams recently posted…Buying Diamond Jewellery
They look fantastic! It’s great to get children thinking about what they have read.x
Bek recently posted…Follow me on Bloglovin’
Those dice are fantastic! I’m not sure why there is an O in leopard either – English can be a funny language at times. Looks like a lovely book 🙂
Vicky recently posted…The Happiness Project by Gretchen Ruben: books that motivate me – 2014 blogger challenge
Love the idea of the comprehension cubes!
Michelle recently posted…Day 18: Island Hopping [Back To The Magic Trip Report 2013]
I really like the comprehension cubes – they’re a brilliant idea!
[email protected] recently posted…Don’t let your children spend a fortune without you knowing….
I think they’re a good idea, it’s too easy to forget about talking about a book you just read 🙂
Jenny @ The Brick Castle recently posted…Carcraft Lego Challenge
Those cubes sound a really good idea. Our school does something similar I guess by sending home reading targets just like the ones of these cubes.
Pinkoddy recently posted…The Lego Movie Emmet and the Getaway Glider
what a good idea! I’d love to try one with question for a younger child maybe x
Fritha Strickland recently posted…a shameless plea
Looks like a great book and those cubes look really useful. Although my son is a good reader his comprehension isn’t always that good so these would really help.
Mummy of Two recently posted…Silent Sunday #5
the comprehension cubes are really great idea, we might get some
Agata Pokutycka recently posted…Fractal Art by George Thomson
such a great idea. Thank you for posting.
Those dice seem to be a very good idea to really gauge how the little ones are getting on with their reading. Might try with J.
Vai Chin @Rambling Through Parenthood recently posted…Winter Sunshine
Ohh wow not seen this before the cubes look so good , what fantastic ideas .x
That cube is so nifty, and what clever kids you have.
Mrs. Chasing the Donkey recently posted…GIVEAWAY: Love on the road
Love Learning Resources and have bought a few things from them. These cubes are something I will remember for the future.
Sam @happyhomebird recently posted…February puzzles
Lol at his comments!! Mr r always gets out of bed and his friends stay up… No mention that he likes to rampage around through the night himself 😉
What a great book! I think Miss J and JD would love it. The reading comprehension cubes sound perfect for us – I am going to see if I can get some.
Emily @amummytoo recently posted…From neglected junk room to beautiful bedroom (stage 1)
Looks like a fantastic book and the Reading Comprehension cubes are a great way of talking about a story in more depth together. Thank you for linking up to #kidsbookaweek it is lovely to see what you have been reading.
Kirsty recently posted…One by Kathryn Otoshi
Sounds like a book I need to read to my kid especially if it helps them stay in bed! I’m now intrigued by the cubes and will have to check them out. #kidsbookaweek
Kriss MacDonald recently posted…Young Werewolf by Cornelia Funke
Those cubes look like a brilliant idea!
Foz recently posted…Lego Challenge with Carcraft
Thanks for linking up at Savoring Saturdays!
Raia Torn recently posted…Savoring Saturdays #2
The reading cubes are great! Thanks for sharing with After School!