From Seed to Dandelion (Scholastic News Nonfiction Readers: How Things Grow)
#1 in Scholastic News Nonfiction Readers Series
on Goodreads (21)
What’s inside...
Discover how a seed grows into a dandelion. Scholastic News Nonfiction Readers: How Things Grow series gives the youngest reader (Ages 6-7) an introduction to plant life cycle. Each book includes chapters that help readers identify key details while the photographs, and other text features encourage students to make connections on their own.
Discussion points
What do you think happens to a seed before it grows into a dandelion?
Can you describe how a dandelion changes as it grows?
Why do you think dandelions are important in nature?
How do you think a dandelion feels when it turns from a yellow flower to a fluffy white ball?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the growth of a dandelion to personal growth by asking them about ways they have grown or changed recently.
While discussing the book, point to the illustrations and ask your child to explain what’s happening in each stage of the dandelion’s lifecycle.
After reading, take your child outside to find dandelions. Discuss the differences and similarities between the book’s descriptions and the real-life plants.
Use a playful tone to make the discussion fun, such as pretending to be a growing dandelion, stretching tall towards the sun.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience and Observation
Explanation: The book follows the lifecycle of a dandelion from seed to full bloom, which teaches children the importance of patience and careful observation as they watch the slow, natural growth process.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the gradual developments in nature and their surroundings, understanding that many aspects of life require time to mature and cannot be rushed.
Example Lesson: Nature’s Interconnectedness
Explanation: Through the journey of a dandelion's growth, children see how plants interact with their environment, including the weather and animals, demonstrating the interconnectedness of our ecosystem.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be more environmentally conscious and understand the role they play in the larger ecosystem, promoting responsible behaviors like not littering and protecting wildlife.
Example Lesson: Cycle of Life
Explanation: The book explains the full lifecycle of a dandelion including its eventual wilting, which can help children understand the concept of life cycles in a simple, relatable way.
Real-World Application: This can help children grasp the concept of life and death in a non-threatening way, fostering a more thoughtful and mature outlook towards natural endings and beginnings.
Example Lesson: Scientific Curiosity
Explanation: Describing the biological process of how a dandelion grows from a seed sparks curiosity about plant biology and science in general.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore more about plants, engage in gardening or other science-related activities, enhancing their understanding and interest in scientific subjects.