Boats!
What’s inside...
Take to the water with this fun, visual miscellany for children who are passionate about boats. Each double-page spread features a different group of boats and watercraft, from helpful lifeboats, record-breaking catamarans, boats that people live on, to racing dragon boats and super submarines. Dive into the world of rowing, fishing, and hard-working ships like icebreakers and fireboats. Explore the inside of a car ferry, visit a floating market, and learn how a boat floats. With hundreds of different vessels to explore, young boat enthusiasts are sure to discover new and fascinating watercraft.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What different types of boats did you see in the book, and which one would you like to sail in?
How do you think the people felt while they were on their boat journeys?
What adventures might you have if you were on a boat like the ones in the book?
Why do you think boats are important in the story and in real life?
If you could design your own boat, what special features would it have?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, try to mimic the motions or sounds of different boats to make the conversation more interactive and fun.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite boat from the book and describe why they chose that particular one.
Ask your child to imagine a story where they're the captain of one of the boats, deciding what their next adventure will be.
Link discussions to real-life experiences, such as a family trip involving boats or seeing boats at a local marina.
Use the different boats shown in the book to introduce simple concepts of geography and culture by discussing where each boat might be used.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Boats!', various characters work together to navigate through their aquatic adventures, demonstrating how cooperation can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers during group activities or projects in school, learning that teamwork can achieve great results.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The book highlights the exploratory journey of different boats, sparking curiosity about the world.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore new areas of interest, ask questions, and learn about different environments and cultures in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: Characters in the book face and overcome challenges on their journey, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and challenges, whether it’s trying out a new activity or making new friends, understanding that overcoming obstacles is part of growth.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story's setting emphasizes the beauty and importance of the aquatic environment and promotes a respect for nature.
Real-World Application: This lesson can lead children to practice environmental friendliness, such as not littering and participating in community clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Importance of Preparation
Explanation: Throughout 'Boats!', the characters prepare their vessels for various conditions, illustrating the importance of planning and readiness.
Real-World Application: Children can translate this lesson to being prepared for their school days, extracurricular activities, or even planning for their future tasks.