A Warm Winter Tail (Arbordale Collection)
#2 in Physical & Behavioral Adaptation , Weather, Climate, & Seasons Series
What’s inside...
Do you ever wonder how animals stay warm in the winter? Well, they wonder how humans do too! In a twist of perspective, wild creatures question if humans use the same winter adaptation strategies that they do. Do they cuddle together in a tree or fly south to Mexico? Take a look through an animal's eyes and discover the interesting ways that animals cope with the cold winter months throughout this rhythmic story. Animals featured in the book include red foxes, box turtles, dark-capped chickadees, black bears, deer, bees, squirrels, monarch butterflies, mice, frogs, hummingbirds, and humans.
Discussion points
How do you think the animals feel during winter and why?
What are some ways the animals in the book stay warm? Can you think of any other ways animals might stay warm in winter?
If you were an animal in winter, which one would you like to be and why?
How do the animal's winter habits compare to what we do in winter to keep warm?
What did you learn about each animal's characteristics and how does it help them survive?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different animals to make the story come alive and keep your child engaged.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite winter animal from the book and explain how it stays warm.
Link the story to real-life experiences by discussing what you both do to prepare for winter, making connections to the animals’ strategies.
Ask your child to guess how each animal will stay warm before revealing it in the book to keep them curious and involved in the story.
Revisit the book across different seasons to discuss and compare how animals’ survival strategies differ from season to season.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story showcases different animals asking their mothers how humans keep warm in winter, promoting an understanding of various perspectives and nurturing empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences in others' experiences and perspectives, helping them develop healthier interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Adaptation and Problem Solving
Explanation: Animals in the book adapt to the cold in unique ways, which teaches children about problem-solving and the importance of adapting to different situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by learning to adjust to new environments or changes in their lives, finding creative solutions to challenges they face.
Example Lesson: Learning about Nature and Animal Behavior
Explanation: Through engaging narratives about animals, children learn about wildlife behavior and the natural adaptations of animals in winter.
Real-World Application: This knowledge encourages outdoor exploration and a deeper interest in science and biology, promoting lifelong learning and curiosity about the natural world.
Example Lesson: Importance of Asking Questions
Explanation: The curious nature of the baby animals in the book highlights the importance of inquiry and learning through questioning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and seek knowledge actively, enhancing their cognitive development and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds and Care
Explanation: The interactions between mother animals and their offspring underline the theme of familial care and the warmth of family relationships during challenging times.
Real-World Application: This can reinforce the value of family support and warmth in a child's personal life, especially when facing their own challenges.