Oxford Reading Tree TreeTops Reflect: Oxford Level 18: Stage Fright

Parnita is excited about the end-of-term play but is cast as the narrator, losing her chance to shine. She may also lose her best friend. Reflect is a series of emotionally powerful books with realistic settings that promote thoughtful discussions and develop higher-level reading comprehension. Written by top children's authors and developed with Literacy expert Nikki Gamble, they are finely levelled and contain inside cover notes to help children deepen their understanding. Teaching notes on Oxford Owl offer cross-curricular links to relationships education and support literacy skills.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Parnita's heart was bursting with anticipation as the end-of-term play approached. She had a deep passion for acting, and this was the final play she would share with her best friend before they parted ways to attend different secondary schools. However, when she received the coveted role of the narrator, Parnita couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. She had always dreamed of taking center stage and showcasing her talent, but now she felt like she was being overshadowed by the narrator's role.

As the rehearsals began, Parnita poured her heart and soul into her performance, determined to make the narrator's part as captivating as possible. But as the play progressed, she noticed a subtle shift in her best friend's behavior. She seemed distant and less interested in the play, and Parnita couldn't help but feel a growing sense of worry.

One night, after the rehearsal, Parnita approached her best friend and asked if everything was okay. Her friend hesitated for a moment before admitting that she was feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of the play. She had always been the quieter one in the group, and the thought of performing in front of a large audience was terrifying.

Parnita felt a wave of empathy wash over her. She knew how much her best friend had been struggling with self-confidence and anxiety, and she wanted to do everything she could to support her. She offered to help her practice her lines and work on her stage presence, and she even suggested that they could practice together outside of rehearsal hours.

At first, her best friend was hesitant, but eventually, she agreed to give it a try. They spent hours together, practicing their lines and working on their movements. Parnita was patient and encouraging, always reminding her friend that she had incredible talent and that she was capable of doing anything she set her mind to.

As the play approached, Parnita's best friend began to feel more confident. She was no longer afraid of the audience, and she was proud of the work they had put together. Parnita could see the transformation in her friend's demeanor, and she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment in knowing that she had played a part in helping her overcome her fears.

On the night of the play, Parnita and her best friend took their places on stage, and the audience was spellbound by their performance. Parnita's narration was powerful and evocative, and her best friend's performance was heartfelt and authentic. The audience erupted into applause when the play was over, and Parnita and her best friend hugged each other tightly, feeling a sense of gratitude and joy for the bond they had shared.

As they walked off stage, Parnita couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness. She knew that they would be going their separate ways soon, and she would miss her best friend terribly. But she also knew that they had shared a special experience that would stay with them forever, and that they would always be there for each other, no matter where life took them.

Reflect is a series of emotionally powerful books with realistic settings, carefully crafted to promote thoughtful discussions and develop higher-level reading comprehension. Written by top childrens authors and developed with Literacy expert and Series Editor Nikki Gamble, these are books you can trust to engage, entertain and support childrens personal development. The books are finely levelled, making it easy to match every child to stories with the right depth and complexity for them, and helping them to progress. Each book contains inside cover notes to help children deepen their understanding and support their reading comprehension. Teaching notes on Oxford Owl offer cross-curricular links to relationships education and support literacy skills.

In conclusion, Parnita's journey in the end-of-term play was a testament to the power of friendship and support. She had faced her fears and doubts, and with the help of her best friend, she had overcome them and emerged stronger than ever. The Reflect series of books is a valuable tool for promoting literacy and personal development in children, and Parnita's story is a shining example of the positive impact that these books can have on young minds.

Weight: 138g
Dimension: 198 x 130 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198421276