Ready Steady Read Together
Varjak Paw: Fiction Lesson 1
What do you think you know?
What?
Who?
Why?
Where?
How?
When?
Book Talk: Let's explore this illustration.
Explore
What do you know and think?
The windows were always closed, the doors locked. There was a garden, but it was surrounded by a high stone wall.
How might this extract link to the illustration?
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Today's Question(s)
A) How is Varjak’s life different to Jalal’s?
B) How is Varjak different from the other cats in his family?
Explore
Let me read today's text
Follow as I read
Explore
The Elder Paw was telling a story.
It was a Jalal tale, one of the best. Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor: how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats, how he was the mightiest hunter, how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before.
But today, the Elder Paw’s tale just made Varjak restless. So what if Jalal had such exciting adventures? Varjak never would. Jalal had ended his days in the Contessa’s house. His family of Mesopotamian Blues had stayed here ever since.
The old place must have been full of light and life in Jalal’s time, generations ago – but now it was full of dust and musty smells. The windows were always closed, the doors locked. There was a garden, but it was surrounded by a high stone wall. Jalal was the last to cross it. In all the years since then, no one had ever left the Contessa’s house.
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Now, no one except Varjak was even listening to the tale of Jalal’s adventures. Father, Mother and Aunt Juni were dozing in the late afternoon light that trickled through the thick green windows. His big brother Julius was flexing his muscles; his cousin Jasmine was fiddling with her collar. His litter brothers Jay, Jethro and Jerome were playing one of those kittenish games that Varjak could never see the point of, and wasn’t allowed to join in anyway. No one was looking at him. This was his chance. He’d been in the garden before, but the family didn’t like it out there, and never let him stay very long.
Stealthy as Jalal himself, Varjak rose up and padded to the cat door. He could see the garden on the other side. He could almost feel the fresh air, brushing through his whiskers. He nudged it open –
“Varjak Paw!” It was Father. “Where do you think you are going?”
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Vocabulary
Explore
Hover for definitions!
elder
restless
ancestor
musty
litter
stealthy
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
I will model the first.
Find the word or phrase Read the sentence Talk about it to a partner
elder
Explore
Find Read Talk
The Elder Paw was telling a story.
It was a Jalal tale, one of the best. Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor: how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats, how he was the mightiest hunter, how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before.
Reveal Vocabulary
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
elder
Your turn
ancestor
Find the word or phrase Read the sentence Talk about it to a partner
restless
musty
litter
stealthy
Use your text
Explore
Vocabulary Check & Re-read
Explore
Reveal Vocabulary
The Elder Paw was telling a story.
It was a Jalal tale, one of the best. Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor: how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats, how he was the mightiest hunter, how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before.
But today, the Elder Paw’s tale just made Varjak restless. So what if Jalal had such exciting adventures? Varjak never would. Jalal had ended his days in the Contessa’s house. His family of Mesopotamian Blues had stayed here ever since.
The old place must have been full of light and life in Jalal’s time, generations ago – but now it was full of dust and musty smells. The windows were always closed, the doors locked. There was a garden, but it was surrounded by a high stone wall. Jalal was the last to cross it. In all the years since then, no one had ever left the Contessa’s house.
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Reveal Vocabulary
Now, no one except Varjak was even listening to the tale of Jalal’s adventures. Father, Mother and Aunt Juni were dozing in the late afternoon light that trickled through the thick green windows. His big brother Julius was flexing his muscles; his cousin Jasmine was fiddling with her collar. His litter brothers Jay, Jethro and Jerome were playing one of those kittenish games that Varjak could never see the point of, and wasn’t allowed to join in anyway. No one was looking at him. This was his chance. He’d been in the garden before, but the family didn’t like it out there, and never let him stay very long.
Stealthy as Jalal himself, Varjak rose up and padded to the cat door. He could see the garden on the other side. He could almost feel the fresh air, brushing through his whiskers. He nudged it open –
“Varjak Paw!” It was Father. “Where do you think you are going?”
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Fluency
Explore
Let me use my reader's voice...
The Elder Paw was telling a story. It was a Jalal tale, one of the best. Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor: how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats, how he was the mightiest hunter, how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before.
What did you notice?
Volume
Pace
Smoothness
Phrasing
Expression
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
My Turn
Your Turn
Echo Read
The Elder Paw was telling a story.
It was a Jalal tale, one of the best.
Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor:
how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats,
how he was the mightiest hunter,
how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth,
further than any cat had been before.
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Sound like a reader!
Stand up!
Choral Read
The Elder Paw was telling a story. It was a Jalal tale, one of the best. Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor: how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats, how he was the mightiest hunter, how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before.
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Strategy Focus
Explore
Strategy: Read Between the Lines
A) How is Varjak’s life different to Jalal’s?
Be a detective and look for clues!
Teach
Let me show you
Reveal Text Marks
It was a Jalal tale, one of the best. Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor: how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats, how he was the mightiest hunter, how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before. But today, the Elder Paw’s tale just made Varjak restless.
A) How is Varjak’s life different to Jalal’s?
Reveal Explainer
Jalal is described as brave and adventurous, fighting ‘the fiercest warrior cats’. This suggests an exciting and dangerous life. Varjak feels ‘restless’ when hearing these stories, which shows he is not living a similar life himself. Instead of experiencing adventure, he feels bored and frustrated, suggesting that his life is much less exciting than Jalal’s.
Teach
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Strategy Stop
What else could you use to answer today's question(s)?
Teach
Your Turn
A) How is Varjak’s life different to Jalal’s?
B) How is Varjak different from the other cats in his family?
Pairedreading first
Find the answers
Text mark
Explore
Acceptable Answers
Different life experiences:
Text Mark Evidence (Jalal) travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before
Jalal’s life was full of adventure and excitement
A) How is Varjak’s life different to Jalal’s?
Text Mark Evidence so what if Jalal had such exciting adventures…Varjak never would
Varjak’s life is boring and restricted
Different travel experiences:
Go to the next slide for more...
Text Mark Evidence - (Jalal) travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before - Jalal was the last to cross it (the stone wall)
Jalal had travelled and explored afar
Click on the evidence to reveal acceptable answers
Text Mark Evidence no one had ever left the Contessa’s house
Varjak has never left home
Practise & Apply
Contessa’s house / environment has changed over time:
Acceptable Answers
Text Mark Evidence the old place must have been full of light and life in Jalal’s time
Jalal lived in the house when it was lively and well-kept
Text Mark Evidence now it (Contessa’s house) was full of dust and musty smells
Varjak lives in a dull, neglected house
A) How is Varjak’s life different to Jalal’s?
Different opportunities for freedom:
Text Mark Evidence Jalal had ended his days in the Contessa’s house
Jalal had freedom and chose to settle later
Text Mark Evidence - the windows were always closed, the doors locked - there was a garden, but it was surrounded by a high stone wall - he’d (Varjak had) been in the garden before, but the family…never let him stay very long
Varjak is not allowed freedom
Click on the evidence to reveal acceptable answers
Practise & Apply
Acceptable Answers
Text Mark Evidence - Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor - no one except Varjak was even listening to the tale of Jalal’s adventures
Varjak shows greater interest in the Jalal tale than the others
Text Mark Evidence - today, the Elder Paw’s tale just made Varjak restless - Father, Mother and Aunt Juni were dozing in the late afternoon light
Varjak is restless while his family seems content
B) How is Varjak different from the other cats in his family?
Text Mark Evidence his litter brothers…were playing one of those kittenish games that Varjak could never see the point of
Varjak is more thoughtful and mature than the other kittens
Text Mark Evidence (Varjak) wasn’t allowed to join in anyway
Varjak feels separate and excluded
Click on the evidence to reveal acceptable answers
Text Mark Evidence he’d been in the garden before, but the family didn’t like it out there, and never let him stay very long
Varjak is curious and wants to explore while his family prefers to stay inside
Practise & Apply
Quiz Time
Start
Picture Me
Which image is the best match for ‘litter’?
Tick Me
Stealthy as Jalal himself, Varjak rose up and padded to the cat door.
Which answer best completes the sentence?
The word ‘stealthy’ suggests that Varjak moved…
Tick two:
A) secretly.
B) clumsily.
Check
C) noisily.
Click if correct
D) cautiously.
Find Me
Find one word which suggests the smell of house was unpleasant:
The old place must have been full of light and life in Jalal’s time, generations ago – but now it was full of dust and musty smells. The windows were always closed, the doors locked. There was a garden, but it was surrounded by a high stone wall. Jalal was the last to cross it. In all the years since then, no one had ever left the Contessa’s house.
Discuss then check
musty
Sequence Me
Put these events in the correct order:
A) Varjak’s parents were snoozing in the late afternoon light.
B) The Elder Paw began telling a story about Jalal.
C) Varjak’s father caught him trying to sneak through the cat door.
D) Jalal left Mesopotamia and settled at the Contessa’s house.
Click if correct
Check
Feedback: Who did what well?
FindRead Talk
EchoRead
ChoralRead
ReadingStrategy
Answers & Text Marks
Other...
To be a book lover, you could...
discover new authors.
Reveal
Try books from writers you've never heard of to expand your horizons.
Copyright Notice
This document has been supplied under a CLA Licence with specific terms of use. It is protected by copyright and, save as may be permitted by law, it may not be further copied, stored, re-copied electronically or otherwise shared, even for internal purposes, without the prior further permission of the Rightsholder. Extracts sourced from: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003 Schools must purchase the original text for full content.
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Transcript
Ready Steady Read Together
Varjak Paw: Fiction Lesson 1
What do you think you know?
What?
Who?
Why?
Where?
How?
When?
Book Talk: Let's explore this illustration.
Explore
What do you know and think?
The windows were always closed, the doors locked. There was a garden, but it was surrounded by a high stone wall.
How might this extract link to the illustration?
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Today's Question(s)
A) How is Varjak’s life different to Jalal’s?
B) How is Varjak different from the other cats in his family?
Explore
Let me read today's text
Follow as I read
Explore
The Elder Paw was telling a story. It was a Jalal tale, one of the best. Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor: how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats, how he was the mightiest hunter, how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before. But today, the Elder Paw’s tale just made Varjak restless. So what if Jalal had such exciting adventures? Varjak never would. Jalal had ended his days in the Contessa’s house. His family of Mesopotamian Blues had stayed here ever since. The old place must have been full of light and life in Jalal’s time, generations ago – but now it was full of dust and musty smells. The windows were always closed, the doors locked. There was a garden, but it was surrounded by a high stone wall. Jalal was the last to cross it. In all the years since then, no one had ever left the Contessa’s house.
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Now, no one except Varjak was even listening to the tale of Jalal’s adventures. Father, Mother and Aunt Juni were dozing in the late afternoon light that trickled through the thick green windows. His big brother Julius was flexing his muscles; his cousin Jasmine was fiddling with her collar. His litter brothers Jay, Jethro and Jerome were playing one of those kittenish games that Varjak could never see the point of, and wasn’t allowed to join in anyway. No one was looking at him. This was his chance. He’d been in the garden before, but the family didn’t like it out there, and never let him stay very long. Stealthy as Jalal himself, Varjak rose up and padded to the cat door. He could see the garden on the other side. He could almost feel the fresh air, brushing through his whiskers. He nudged it open – “Varjak Paw!” It was Father. “Where do you think you are going?”
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Vocabulary
Explore
Hover for definitions!
elder
restless
ancestor
musty
litter
stealthy
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
I will model the first.
Find the word or phrase Read the sentence Talk about it to a partner
elder
Explore
Find Read Talk
The Elder Paw was telling a story. It was a Jalal tale, one of the best. Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor: how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats, how he was the mightiest hunter, how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before.
Reveal Vocabulary
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
elder
Your turn
ancestor
Find the word or phrase Read the sentence Talk about it to a partner
restless
musty
litter
stealthy
Use your text
Explore
Vocabulary Check & Re-read
Explore
Reveal Vocabulary
The Elder Paw was telling a story. It was a Jalal tale, one of the best. Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor: how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats, how he was the mightiest hunter, how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before. But today, the Elder Paw’s tale just made Varjak restless. So what if Jalal had such exciting adventures? Varjak never would. Jalal had ended his days in the Contessa’s house. His family of Mesopotamian Blues had stayed here ever since. The old place must have been full of light and life in Jalal’s time, generations ago – but now it was full of dust and musty smells. The windows were always closed, the doors locked. There was a garden, but it was surrounded by a high stone wall. Jalal was the last to cross it. In all the years since then, no one had ever left the Contessa’s house.
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Reveal Vocabulary
Now, no one except Varjak was even listening to the tale of Jalal’s adventures. Father, Mother and Aunt Juni were dozing in the late afternoon light that trickled through the thick green windows. His big brother Julius was flexing his muscles; his cousin Jasmine was fiddling with her collar. His litter brothers Jay, Jethro and Jerome were playing one of those kittenish games that Varjak could never see the point of, and wasn’t allowed to join in anyway. No one was looking at him. This was his chance. He’d been in the garden before, but the family didn’t like it out there, and never let him stay very long. Stealthy as Jalal himself, Varjak rose up and padded to the cat door. He could see the garden on the other side. He could almost feel the fresh air, brushing through his whiskers. He nudged it open – “Varjak Paw!” It was Father. “Where do you think you are going?”
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Fluency
Explore
Let me use my reader's voice...
The Elder Paw was telling a story. It was a Jalal tale, one of the best. Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor: how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats, how he was the mightiest hunter, how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before.
What did you notice?
Volume
Pace
Smoothness
Phrasing
Expression
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
My Turn
Your Turn
Echo Read
The Elder Paw was telling a story.
It was a Jalal tale, one of the best.
Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor:
how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats,
how he was the mightiest hunter,
how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth,
further than any cat had been before.
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Sound like a reader!
Stand up!
Choral Read
The Elder Paw was telling a story. It was a Jalal tale, one of the best. Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor: how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats, how he was the mightiest hunter, how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before.
Explore
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Strategy Focus
Explore
Strategy: Read Between the Lines
A) How is Varjak’s life different to Jalal’s?
Be a detective and look for clues!
Teach
Let me show you
Reveal Text Marks
It was a Jalal tale, one of the best. Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor: how Jalal fought the fiercest warrior cats, how he was the mightiest hunter, how he came out of Mesopotamia and travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before. But today, the Elder Paw’s tale just made Varjak restless.
A) How is Varjak’s life different to Jalal’s?
Reveal Explainer
Jalal is described as brave and adventurous, fighting ‘the fiercest warrior cats’. This suggests an exciting and dangerous life. Varjak feels ‘restless’ when hearing these stories, which shows he is not living a similar life himself. Instead of experiencing adventure, he feels bored and frustrated, suggesting that his life is much less exciting than Jalal’s.
Teach
From: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003. Licensed under CLA. Do not copy or share.
Strategy Stop
What else could you use to answer today's question(s)?
Teach
Your Turn
A) How is Varjak’s life different to Jalal’s?
B) How is Varjak different from the other cats in his family?
Pairedreading first
Find the answers
Text mark
Explore
Acceptable Answers
Different life experiences:
Text Mark Evidence (Jalal) travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before
Jalal’s life was full of adventure and excitement
A) How is Varjak’s life different to Jalal’s?
Text Mark Evidence so what if Jalal had such exciting adventures…Varjak never would
Varjak’s life is boring and restricted
Different travel experiences:
Go to the next slide for more...
Text Mark Evidence - (Jalal) travelled to the ends of the earth, further than any cat had been before - Jalal was the last to cross it (the stone wall)
Jalal had travelled and explored afar
Click on the evidence to reveal acceptable answers
Text Mark Evidence no one had ever left the Contessa’s house
Varjak has never left home
Practise & Apply
Contessa’s house / environment has changed over time:
Acceptable Answers
Text Mark Evidence the old place must have been full of light and life in Jalal’s time
Jalal lived in the house when it was lively and well-kept
Text Mark Evidence now it (Contessa’s house) was full of dust and musty smells
Varjak lives in a dull, neglected house
A) How is Varjak’s life different to Jalal’s?
Different opportunities for freedom:
Text Mark Evidence Jalal had ended his days in the Contessa’s house
Jalal had freedom and chose to settle later
Text Mark Evidence - the windows were always closed, the doors locked - there was a garden, but it was surrounded by a high stone wall - he’d (Varjak had) been in the garden before, but the family…never let him stay very long
Varjak is not allowed freedom
Click on the evidence to reveal acceptable answers
Practise & Apply
Acceptable Answers
Text Mark Evidence - Varjak loved to hear his grandfather’s tales of their famous ancestor - no one except Varjak was even listening to the tale of Jalal’s adventures
Varjak shows greater interest in the Jalal tale than the others
Text Mark Evidence - today, the Elder Paw’s tale just made Varjak restless - Father, Mother and Aunt Juni were dozing in the late afternoon light
Varjak is restless while his family seems content
B) How is Varjak different from the other cats in his family?
Text Mark Evidence his litter brothers…were playing one of those kittenish games that Varjak could never see the point of
Varjak is more thoughtful and mature than the other kittens
Text Mark Evidence (Varjak) wasn’t allowed to join in anyway
Varjak feels separate and excluded
Click on the evidence to reveal acceptable answers
Text Mark Evidence he’d been in the garden before, but the family didn’t like it out there, and never let him stay very long
Varjak is curious and wants to explore while his family prefers to stay inside
Practise & Apply
Quiz Time
Start
Picture Me
Which image is the best match for ‘litter’?
Tick Me
Stealthy as Jalal himself, Varjak rose up and padded to the cat door. Which answer best completes the sentence? The word ‘stealthy’ suggests that Varjak moved…
Tick two:
A) secretly.
B) clumsily.
Check
C) noisily.
Click if correct
D) cautiously.
Find Me
Find one word which suggests the smell of house was unpleasant:
The old place must have been full of light and life in Jalal’s time, generations ago – but now it was full of dust and musty smells. The windows were always closed, the doors locked. There was a garden, but it was surrounded by a high stone wall. Jalal was the last to cross it. In all the years since then, no one had ever left the Contessa’s house.
Discuss then check
musty
Sequence Me
Put these events in the correct order:
A) Varjak’s parents were snoozing in the late afternoon light.
B) The Elder Paw began telling a story about Jalal.
C) Varjak’s father caught him trying to sneak through the cat door.
D) Jalal left Mesopotamia and settled at the Contessa’s house.
Click if correct
Check
Feedback: Who did what well?
FindRead Talk
EchoRead
ChoralRead
ReadingStrategy
Answers & Text Marks
Other...
To be a book lover, you could...
discover new authors.
Reveal
Try books from writers you've never heard of to expand your horizons.
Copyright Notice
This document has been supplied under a CLA Licence with specific terms of use. It is protected by copyright and, save as may be permitted by law, it may not be further copied, stored, re-copied electronically or otherwise shared, even for internal purposes, without the prior further permission of the Rightsholder. Extracts sourced from: Varjak Paw by S. F. Said © 2003 Schools must purchase the original text for full content.