Bug Club Yellow C/1C Bug Boy: Spider Camp
BUG CLUB Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
In 'Bug Club Yellow C/1C Bug Boy: Spider Camp' by Jeanne Willis, the young protagonist, known as Bug Boy, attends a camp that specifically caters to his interest in spiders. Throughout his adventure at Spider Camp, Bug Boy encounters various types of spiders, learning about their unique characteristics and behaviors. He participates in camp activities designed to educate and engage children with the world of arachnids. As the story progresses, Bug Boy overcomes his fears, makes new friends who share his interests, and gains knowledge and appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures. Ultimately, the book delivers a narrative of exploration and discovery, aiming to foster a sense of wonder in children about the natural world. This title is part of Pearson's Bug Club - the first whole-school reading programme that joins books and an online reading world to teach today's children to read. In this book, Dan loves bugs, but his sister, Emma, hates them! One day, Dan takes Tom the spider on a camping trip. Suitable for Ages 5-6 (Yellow level C).
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Danny felt when he first arrived at Spider Camp?
What would you do if you found a special spider like Danny did?
Why is it important to respect and take care of insects and other small creatures?
How did Danny change throughout the story and what did he learn?
What was your favorite part of the adventure at Spider Camp and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about spiders and insects to make your child feel comfortable discussing their feelings.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Danny’s shoes, which enhances empathy and understanding of the character’s emotions.
Discuss the importance of kindness and curiosity towards nature, linking it to Danny’s experiences in the book.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This helps reinforce their memory and understanding of the story.
Praise your child for insightful comments or interesting questions, which boosts their confidence and engagement in discussions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Bug Boy: Spider Camp', the protagonist, Danny, overcomes his fear of spiders by attending a spider camp. Through various activities and learning, he faces his fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears, whether it's trying out a new activity or dealing with school anxieties, by taking small, manageable steps towards overcoming them.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards creatures
Explanation: Danny's journey at the spider camp educates him about the importance of spiders, changing his initial fear to a respectful understanding. This shift demonstrates empathy towards even the smallest creatures.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to develop an understanding and empathy towards all living things, fostering a sense of respect and stewardship for the environment.
Example Lesson: Learning through experience
Explanation: Attending the spider camp provides Danny with hands-on experiences that significantly change his perspective about spiders, illustrating how direct interaction and engagement facilitate learning.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage actively in learning opportunities outside the classroom, such as field trips or nature camps, to gain practical knowledge and skills.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: Danny's curiosity leads him to a transformative experience at the camp. His willingness to learn more about spiders helps him transform his fear into fascination.
Real-World Application: Cultivating curiosity can lead children to explore new topics and interests, expanding their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.