Ants
Insects Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
These books serve as an introduction to natural history, specifically focusing on ants. They feature full-color photographs and easy-to-understand text, complemented by a 'More Facts' section, bold glossary terms, and diagrams highlighting specific body parts. The information about ants includes their appearance, diet, and body structures, presented through simple text and full-bleed photographs. The books are aligned with Common Core standards and are part of the Abdo Kids series by ABDO publishing.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life is like for an ant?
How do ants work together to build their home?
Why do you think ants are important to the environment?
If you were an ant, what job would you like to do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine being an ant and describe their day.
Discuss the teamwork shown by ants and relate it to everyday situations like family tasks or school projects.
Highlight the environmental role of ants in decomposing and soil aeration, drawing parallels with human responsibilities towards nature.
Ask your child to think about what we can learn from ants about cooperation and hard work.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The book 'Ants' by Grace Hansen showcases how ants work together to build their homes and gather food, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or helping out at home, understanding that cooperative efforts yield better results.
Example Lesson: Importance of Roles and Responsibilities
Explanation: In 'Ants', different ants have specific roles, such as the queen, workers, and soldiers, each contributing to the colony's success.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate different roles in their communities and the importance of each person’s contributions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Hard Work
Explanation: The narrative demonstrates how ants tirelessly gather food and materials, symbolizing the value of perseverance and diligent work.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to persist in their tasks, whether it be homework or chores, to achieve their goals.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and Problem-Solving
Explanation: Ants often have to navigate obstacles to find food or build their nests. The book highlights their inventive methods to overcome these challenges.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively in solving their own problems, be it in academics or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Through the life of ants, the book touches on the impact of these creatures on the ecosystem, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be mindful of their environment, understanding the significance of every creature, big or small, in maintaining ecological balance.