Animal Architects
Time for kids nonfiction readers Series
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
Shells, nests, mounds, bowers, galleries, dens, lodges, and the creative critters that build them are explored in this fascinating introduction to animal habitats. The featured creature carpenters dig, mold, spin, and weave their homes with an intricacy that will fascinate budding zoologists. Children will learn how these industrious animals can adjust their homes for temperature and comfort, make escape hatches, and store food for their young. The book includes familiar animals like beavers, prairie dogs, and spiders, as well as more exotic ones like wombats, oven birds, and naked mole rats, highlighting how they adapt to and renovate their environments.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What kind of home would you build if you were an animal? Why?
How do the different homes animals build help them survive?
Can you think of any other animals that build interesting homes? What are they like?
Why do you think teamwork is important when animals like bees and ants build their homes?
How do you feel about the ways animals protect their homes from predators?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child to imagine what kind of home they would build if they were an animal. This sets the theme and primes their imagination.
While reading, pause to reflect on the unique homes built by each animal. Discuss how these homes suit the needs and environments of each animal.
Encourage your child to draw or build models of different animal homes mentioned in the book. This hands-on activity can enhance understanding and retention.
Post-reading, watch documentaries or short clips about animal architects. This visual supplement can reinforce what they learned and make it more memorable.
Connect the themes from the book to your child’s experiences with teamwork, such as working together on a project or cleaning up toys, to illustrate the importance of cooperation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: In 'Animal Architects,' children learn how various animals construct unique and complex structures. The detailed descriptions and illustrations of nests, burrows, and webs showcase the ingenuity in nature.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and appreciate the innovative solutions in their own projects and problem-solving tasks.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book highlights species like bees and ants, emphasizing how they work together harmoniously to build structures vital for their survival.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, stressing that teamwork can lead to incredible achievements.
Example Lesson: Importance of Home
Explanation: Through exploring various animal homes, 'Animal Architects' emphasizes the importance of a safe and secure environment.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the value of their own home as a safe space and encourages them to participate in making it comforting and secure.
Example Lesson: Adaptation to Environment
Explanation: The book showcases how animals adapt their home-building techniques based on their environment, using materials that are available to them.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of adaptability in children, encouraging them to make the best out of their available resources and adapt to changing circumstances.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Perseverance
Explanation: Animals often face challenges and failures when constructing their homes, yet they persist until they succeed.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to keep trying in the face of challenges, teaching them that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.