Hair-Shooting Tarantulas and Other Weird Spiders (I Like Weird Animals!)
I Like Weird Animals! Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Presents facts about the physical characteristics and behavior of several unusual spiders, including water spiders, bird-dropping spiders, and wolf spiders.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is the most interesting fact you learned about spiders from this book?
How do spiders differ from other insects we've read about?
Can you imagine what it would be like if you had abilities similar to some of the spiders mentioned?
Why do you think spiders are important in nature?
Which spider from the book would you like to learn more about and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a gentle and curious tone to encourage open communication.
Relate the discussion to personal experiences or familiar scenes to make the topic more relatable.
Show genuine interest in their thoughts and extend the conversation by asking follow-up questions based on their responses.
Incorporate multimedia like pictures or videos of spiders to enrich the learning experience and foster deeper understanding.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite spider from the book as a creative way to reflect on what they've learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of biodiversity
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of unique spider species, highlighting their different traits and habitats.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect the diverse forms of life that exist in nature, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Scientific curiosity
Explanation: By detailing the unusual characteristics of weird spiders, the book encourages questions and exploration.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore science and nature more deeply, possibly sparking a lifelong interest in learning about the natural world.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fear with knowledge
Explanation: The book provides factual information about spiders that are often misunderstood, which can demystify and reduce fear.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that gaining knowledge about something that scares them can reduce anxiety, a strategy that can be applied to various aspects of life.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: Through engaging facts and scientific explanations, readers are taught to analyze and understand complex information.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply critical thinking skills to make informed decisions and solve problems in academic and everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Respect for all creatures
Explanation: Introducing children to less popular animals like weird spiders teaches them the importance of all species in the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop respect and empathy towards all living beings, regardless of their appearance or size.