All The Year Round
illustrations by
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
Discover the most entertaining way to spend the year: with a spot of spring cleaning (that ends in a mess), a summer picnic (invaded by ants), Halloween dress-up (or not, if you’re already scary) and the only thing to be done in December . . .
Discussion points
What changes did you notice in the scenery as the months passed in the story?
Which month’s illustration was your favorite and why?
How do the different animals and plants react to the changing seasons in the book?
Can you think of a fun activity we could do together in each season, inspired by the book?
What would you do if you were in the story during your favorite month?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you read, pause at each page to discuss the illustrations and how they capture the essence of each month.
Encourage your child to describe each season using their senses; what they might see, smell, hear, and feel.
Link personal experiences or family traditions to the months and seasons presented in the book to make the discussion more relatable.
After reading, plan a seasonal activity inspired by the book, promoting a fun and practical extension of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the passage of time
Explanation: Through the rhythmic cycle of the seasons presented in 'All The Year Round', children grasp the concept of time as a continuous loop, marked by changes in nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to anticipate and observe environmental changes, helping them understand the concept of past, present, and future.
Example Lesson: Appreciating nature's diversity
Explanation: The book showcases various animals and plants thriving in different seasons, teaching children to appreciate biodiversity.
Real-World Application: This can lead to real-world activities like nature walks where children observe seasonal changes, fostering a lifelong respect for the environment.
Example Lesson: Patience and Anticipation
Explanation: By following the story through different seasons, children learn the virtues of patience and anticipation, as each season brings its own unique events and experiences.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by engaging in activities that require waiting and observing outcomes, such as planting a seed and watching it grow over time.
Example Lesson: Understanding cause and effect
Explanation: The book’s depiction of how seasonal changes affect the flora and fauna helps children understand the cause and effect relationship.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in simple experiments like watering plants or tracking the daily weather to see direct results of these actions, linking consequences to their causes.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book subtly introduces various cultural celebrations associated with different seasons, promoting a broader worldview.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied by participating in or learning about cultural festivals and traditions, enhancing social understanding and inclusion.