Animals that Glow: Independent Reading Orange 6 Non-fiction
Independent Reading Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
This educational book explores the fascinating world of bioluminescent animals, discussing various species that produce their own light. It delves into the science behind this natural phenomenon and illuminates the lives of creatures that glow. The book is part of the Reading Champion series, developed with the UCL Institute of Education (IOE), designed to encourage independent reading skills. 'Animals that Glow' is a non-fiction text that reports on bioluminescent animals using their glow to attract prey, protect themselves, or communicate. The text features simple sentence structures and is supported by engaging illustrations, making it suitable for independent reading. Each book in the series has been carefully graded to match a child's reading ability and encourage reading for pleasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think animals use their ability to glow in their natural habitat?
Can you imagine what it would be like to see these glowing animals in the dark? What would you feel?
Why do you think some animals can glow and others can't?
What is your favorite glowing animal from the book and why?
If you could have the ability to glow, when would you use it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own fascination with the glowing animals to spark your child's interest.
Encourage your child to describe the glowing animals using their own words to enhance their vocabulary and understanding.
Ask your child to draw their favorite glowing animal from the book, and then discuss the drawing. This can help deepen their connection to the material.
Relate the glowing abilities of animals to any lights seen at night (like fireflies or glow sticks) to help your child make real-world connections.
Praise your child’s responses and thoughts to boost their confidence and encourage further discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature's diversity
Explanation: The book showcases various glowing animals, highlighting the uniqueness and diversity in nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect biodiversity and might be inspired to learn more about different animals and ecosystems.
Example Lesson: Scientific curiosity
Explanation: The details about how and why certain animals glow sparks curiosity about biological processes and scientific reasoning.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to ask questions and seek answers, fostering a love for science and exploration.
Example Lesson: Importance of adaptation
Explanation: Children learn how glowing is an adaptation that helps animals survive, which teaches the concept of adaptation in a broader biological context.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by exploring how humans and other creatures adapt to their own environments, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Interconnectedness of life
Explanation: The book discusses the ecological roles of glowing animals, illustrating the interconnected nature of life forms.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand ecosystem balance, encouraging them to think about how their actions affect the environment.