Can You Make a Window Out of Stone?: (Material Choices)
illustrations by
What’s inside...
This book explores the intriguing possibility of using unconventional materials in construction, focusing on stone as a primary example. Through a series of imaginative adventures, readers learn about the properties of different materials and the creativity involved in architectural design.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What materials would you use to build your dream house and why?
Can you think of an object and guess what materials it’s made from?
Why do you think some materials are better for making certain things?
How do you think people discovered what materials to use for different things?
If you could invent a new material, what would it be like and what would it be used for?
Tip: Role play these questions
Foster curiosity by asking your child to find objects around the home and discuss what materials they are made from.
Encourage creative thinking by challenging your child to design something new using common materials, discussing both the benefits and limitations of those materials.
Support critical thinking by comparing and contrasting different materials used in everyday items and exploring why certain materials are chosen over others.
Enhance connection by sharing your experiences with different materials in your job or everyday life, making the discussion relevant and personal.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Material Properties
Explanation: The book explores different materials like stone, glass, and wood, explaining why they are or aren't suitable for making certain objects like windows.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and reason about the best uses of various materials in real life, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Asking Questions
Explanation: The narrative encourages curiosity through the protagonist's journey to understand materials better.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to inquire and learn actively from their surroundings, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Creative Thinking
Explanation: As the protagonist experiments with unconventional uses of materials, children see the value of creative thinking and innovation.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to think out of the box and use their creativity to overcome challenges and create new things.
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: The book shows that finding the right material requires trial and error, teaching the need for patience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in achieving desired outcomes, whether in school projects or personal goals.