Read with Oxford: Stage 5: Biff, Chip and Kipper: The Strange Old House and Other Stories
English Reading Tree Series
What’s inside...
This captivating collection follows the adventures of Biff, Chip, and Kipper as they explore a strange old house and uncover mysterious events. The Read with Oxford Stage 5 collection includes four stories ideal for children starting to read independently. Each story is crafted to help improve reading skills while offering engaging tales with tips for parents and fun activities. Biff, Chip, Kipper, and Floppy the dog are beloved characters used in 80% of primary schools, making this series a valuable resource for reading development. With exciting stories, humorous illustrations, and after-reading activities, this series supports your child's journey from phonics to reading independence.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
152 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Biff
Chip
Kipper
Discussion points
What do you think made the house strange in the story? How did the characters react to it?
If you were Biff, Chip, or Kipper, what would you have done differently in the strange old house?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery? Why is teamwork important?
Can you think of a time when you felt curious or scared like the characters? What did you do?
Which part of the story was your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine being in the characters' shoes to deepen understanding of their emotions and decisions. Use the book's illustrations to discuss visual storytelling and encourage your child to describe what they see. Connect the story's themes to real-life situations your child may encounter to make the discussion relevant. Recognize any expressions of empathy or insights your child shares about the characters, praising their ability to relate and understand different perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The story 'The Strange Old House' involves the characters exploring a spooky-looking house, demonstrating bravery as they face their fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling new or intimidating situations in their lives, such as trying out a new activity or making new friends at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: In these stories, Biff, Chip, and Kipper often work together to solve mysteries or overcome obstacles, showcasing how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to cooperate with others in group tasks at school or in shared projects, understanding that working together can achieve greater results.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The characters' adventures are driven by their curiosity and desire to explore the unknown, which leads them to learn new things and grow.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be inquisitive about the world around them, whether it's by asking questions, reading more books, or exploring nature.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various challenges that they must think critically to resolve.
Real-World Application: This skill is vital in everyday life as it helps children develop resilience and the ability to navigate through their own challenges and academic tasks.