Elephants
First Reading Level 4 Series
What’s inside...
A look into the world of elephants, following a baby elephant as it takes its first wobbly steps and journeys across the plains of Africa. Combines fascinating information with simple flowing text to excite and further inspire beginner readers. This new title in the 'First Reading' series, part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme, is aimed at children beginning to read. It details how elephants live, survive through monsoon and drought, search for food, and how a baby elephant is made. Developed with the help of Alison Kelly, a senior lecturer in education and early reading specialist, this quality hardback fosters pride in book ownership.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to spend a day in the life of an elephant?
Why do you think elephants live in groups? How does it help them?
What are some ways elephants show they care for each other?
How do you think we can help protect elephants in the wild?
If you could ask an elephant a question, what would you ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and express freely by asking them to draw a picture of an elephant in its natural habitat as they perceive it.
Use expressive gestures and vocal variations when discussing different aspects of an elephant’s life, which will help maintain your child's interest.
Relate the social behaviors of elephants to those of humans, pointing out similarities and differences, to help your child understand the content on a deeper level.
Discuss the importance of wildlife conservation and how empathy and respect for animals can be crucial.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story depicts the journey of young elephants learning to interact with their environment and other animals. It highlights how they care and show compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and respect the feelings of others, fostering a kind and compassionate attitude towards friends and family.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: In the narrative, elephant families are shown to be close-knit and supportive, helping each other in various circumstances.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of family support and encourage them to contribute positively to their own families.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Overcoming Challenges
Explanation: The young elephants face several challenges in the wild, but they learn to overcome these with guidance from elders.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to face their own challenges with courage and to seek help when needed, understanding that overcoming difficulties is part of growth.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book vividly describes the habitat and the ecological role of elephants, emphasizing the importance of conservation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be aware of and care for the environment, promoting actions that support sustainability and wildlife conservation.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: As the elephants explore their surroundings, they show curiosity and a desire to learn more about the world around them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to be inquisitive and enthusiastic learners in school and in their everyday explorations.