A First Look at Animals: Underwater
A First Look at Animals Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Dramatic photographs, charming illustrations and informative text provide children with essential first facts about the animal kingdom. The text explains how animals live, eat, and care for their young, using simple vocabulary that is easy for children to understand. The books feature close-up photographs of a variety of animals, including farm animals, pets, wild animals, and underwater creatures. A short quiz at the end of each book allows children to test their knowledge.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What similarities and differences can you spot between the underwater animals in the book and animals we see on land?
Why do you think some animals are only found underwater?
How do underwater animals adapt to their environment?
Which underwater animal in the book fascinated you the most and why?
If you could be any underwater animal, which one would you choose and what would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about underwater animals to activate prior knowledge.
While reading, allow your child to express their thoughts on the illustrations and ask what each animal might be doing or feeling.
After reading, relate the book to a real-life experience, such as a visit to an aquarium, to help solidify their understanding.
Encourage your child to imagine their own underwater adventure story, using the animals from the book as characters.
Use expressive voice and gestures while reading to make the underwater world come alive for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for marine life
Explanation: The book showcases various underwater creatures, highlighting their unique characteristics and habitats, teaching children the importance of respecting and valuing marine life.
Real-World Application: Children can practice this lesson by engaging in environmentally friendly activities, such as recycling or participating in local beach clean-ups, to protect aquatic habitats.
Example Lesson: Biodiversity awareness
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations and engaging text, children learn about the wide variety of animals living underwater, promoting an understanding of biodiversity.
Real-World Application: This awareness can encourage children to learn more about different species, fostering a curiosity and respect for the natural world which can extend to their interactions with local wildlife.
Example Lesson: Importance of ecosystems
Explanation: The book explains how underwater animals interact with their environment, teaching children the significance of ecosystems and how each organism plays a role.
Real-World Application: Understanding ecosystems can help children grasp the concept of community interdependence, making them more thoughtful and cooperative in their social environments.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: By exploring the mysteries of underwater life, the book encourages curiosity and a love for learning in young readers.
Real-World Application: This nurtured curiosity can translate into a proactive approach towards learning in school, promoting better academic performance and engagement.