How Does It Grow?
#1 of 2 in LEARN HOW: Children's books about where food comes from. Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Baby Bear sits in his highchair as his family members encourage him to try new foods. In this book, your child will learn how 42 different fruits and vegetables grow, through bright pictures and silly rhymes. Introducing new foods to your little one can be an exciting time. Take the opportunity to teach them from a young age where their food comes from. Their powerful, little minds will soak up this foundational information and steer them toward healthy eating habits and educated food choices.
Discussion points
What was your favorite part about how the plant grows? Why?
Can you explain why sunlight and water are important for plants?
How do you think the plant feels as it grows bigger?
What would you like to grow in our garden and why?
How can we help plants grow healthy just like in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, relate the growth of the plants to personal growth, drawing parallels that can help the child understand development better.
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them to imagine if they were a plant, what kind they would be and why.
Use the illustrations in the book to talk about colors, shapes, and sizes, enhancing visual learning.
Post-reading, consider planting a seed with your child to practically connect the book’s concepts with real-life activities.
Praise their responses to foster a positive reading environment, reinforcing their interest and confidence in discussing books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the origin of food
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations and simple narratives, 'How Does It Grow?' guides young readers through the process of how common foods are grown and make their way to our tables.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an appreciation for farming and may be encouraged to make healthier food choices knowing where their food comes from.
Example Lesson: Patience and the value of waiting
Explanation: The book illustrates the growth cycle of plants, emphasizing the time and conditions needed for foods to grow, teaching children that some things cannot be rushed.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of waiting for the right time in daily situations, such as waiting for their turn or waiting for something to finish cooking.
Example Lesson: Responsibility in caring for the environment
Explanation: Katie Waugh Savastano integrates themes of environmental care by showing how different elements like sun, water, and soil are critical to plant growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their actions have an impact on their surroundings, promoting early responsibility in taking care of plants and possibly pets.
Example Lesson: Science and observation skills
Explanation: The book encourages observing the changes in plants over time, fostering a scientific spirit and curiosity in young readers.
Real-World Application: This can translate to children becoming more observant and curious about the world around them, asking questions and seeking answers.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: It describes how farmers and others work together to grow and harvest food, showing children the importance of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group activities or family tasks, understanding that teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.