Box Turtles
The Library of turtles and tortoises Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
At top speed, an ornate box turtle can cross the length of a football field in about 7 minutes, outpacing the eastern box turtle which takes 20 minutes. These reptiles rely on their unique shells for protection, as they can completely close them to keep predators out. Once the danger has passed, box turtles resume their search for food, warmth, and resting places. Learn more about box turtles in this edition of Nature Watch.; Box Turtles (Library of Turtles and Tortoises)
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think a day in the life of a box turtle might look like?
Why do you think box turtles have shells, and how do they use them?
If you were a box turtle, where would you like to live and why?
What are some ways we can help protect box turtles in the wild?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about turtles, and then compare that with what they learn from the book.
While reading, point out the illustrations and ask your child to describe what they see and how it connects to the text.
Encourage your child to think about how the life of a box turtle might be similar or different from other animals they know.
After reading, revisit your child’s initial thoughts about turtles and discuss any new insights they gained from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of taking care of pets, as the characters learn how to responsibly look after box turtles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping to take care of family pets or plants, learning the importance of regular feeding, cleaning, and providing a safe environment.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Caring for turtles requires patience, as they move slowly and live long lives. The book highlights this trait as characters adjust their expectations and learn to appreciate slow progress.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop patience in their everyday activities, understanding that some tasks take time to complete and immediate results aren't always possible.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to understand and share the feelings of their pet turtles, fostering a caring attitude towards animals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more empathetic towards the feelings and needs of others, whether it be animals or people, enhancing their interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Through the habitat needs of box turtles, the book introduces children to concepts of environmental conservation and the impact of human activities on animal habitats.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be mindful of their environment and promotes activities such as recycling, conservation, and protecting wildlife.