Summary:

Tim is at the dentist, and he has a mouth full of cavities. Tim suggests many creative solutions to the problem such as eating more sweets, filling the cavities with mud, or simply buying new teeth at the store.  At first the dentist is amused, but he gets gradually more frustrated until enough is enough. He teaches Tim that the only way to stop the cavities is to brush his teeth. Tim agrees, and has one last creative idea that will actually help: he will brush after every meal!

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Full Text:

Tim leans back in the chair.

"Oh no!" said the dentist.  "The teeth have holes!"

"Wait!" said Tim. "What if I just eat more sweets?"

The dentist grinned, "No, Tim."

"I know!" said Tim. "What if I fill the holes with mud?"

The dentist slapped his head.  "No, Tim!"

"Oh!" said Tim. "What if I bought more teeth at the store?"

The dentist set his hands on his hips. "No, Tim!  No, no, no!"

The dentist said, "This can be solved with a brush."

Tim said, "I can brush after I eat."

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Phonemes:

/ă/ (IPA: æ),        /m/,                  /t/,                   /ē/ (IPA: i),            /s/,                       /ĭ/ (IPA: ɪ),        

‍/f/,                       /d/,                   /r/,                   /th/ (IPA: ð),         /ŏ/ (IPA: ɒ),          /g/,

‍/l/,                        /h/,                  /ŭ/ (IPA: ʌ),      /k/,                       /b/,                       /n/,

‍/sh/ (IPA: ʃ),       /ā/ (IPA: eɪ),     /k/,                   /v/,                       /ō/ (IPA: oʊ),        /w/,

‍/ch/ (IPA: tʃ),     /ŏr/ (IPA: ɑr),    /ər/ (IPA: ɜr),   /ĕ/ (IPA: ɛ),           /j/ (IPA: dʒ),        /p/,

‍/ī/ (IPA: aɪ),        

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Decodable:

‍This booklet is designed for kindergarten students to read independently after they have reached the cycle indicated on the cover. Students should use this to practice decoding and to develop independent reading habits. This should not be used for guided reading or for the development of content knowledge.

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Printable: ‍

This file is designed to be printed, folded, stapled, and given to students as a booklet.  

• Step 1: To print, select “print on both sides of the paper” and “flip on the short edge” in your print menu.  

• Step 2: Fold the printed pages along the dashed line in the center, and staple on top of the three staple images on the front cover.

When one student finishes reading the booklet, you can pass it on to the next student who is ready for it.  Or you can create one copy for each student and tell them that they can color the pictures when they finish reading it.