Backyard
One Small Square Series
What’s inside...
A small patch of earth can be a window to the wonders of the world. This series offers the proof. Each book focuses on a small part of a specific ecosystem, revealing the interaction between plants, animals and their environment. This book focuses on the backyard.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about the creatures you learned about in the book 'Backyard'?
How do you think the animals and plants in our own backyard are similar or different to the ones in the book?
Why do you think it is important for us to take care of our backyard environment?
Which backyard discovery from the book would you like to learn more about, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about backyards and the creatures that might live there. This will prime their thinking and curiosity.
While reading 'Backyard', encourage your child to relate the information to their own experiences in nature or a backyard they know.
Pause during reading to ask questions about the illustrations and text, encouraging your child to observe details and make predictions or connections.
After reading, consider exploring your own backyard or a nearby park with your child to spot some of the plants and animals mentioned in the book.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss the broader implications of biodiversity and environmental stewardship in a child-friendly way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Nature Conservation
Explanation: Through exploring the backyard, the book teaches children about the different flora and fauna that exist in common outdoor spaces, emphasizing the need to protect and preserve our natural environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and care for their own gardens or neighborhood parks, fostering a lifelong respect for nature.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The book encourages young readers to delve into their surroundings, using simple scientific observations to learn more about the world around them.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore and ask questions about their immediate environment, be it home or school, enhancing their observational and reasoning skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility Towards Living Things
Explanation: By interacting with various creatures in the backyard, the book instills a sense of responsibility in children to treat all living things with kindness and care.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to be considerate and compassionate towards pets and wildlife, promoting empathy and ethical behavior.
Example Lesson: Understanding Ecosystems
Explanation: The book illustrates how different elements in the backyard are interconnected, teaching about ecosystems in an accessible way.
Real-World Application: Children grasp the concept of interdependence and the impact of their actions on the environment, aiding in their decision-making process.