I Am Jane Goodall: Ordinary People Change the World
Ordinary People Change the World Series
What’s inside...
A young Jane Goodall, with a stuffed toy chimpanzee named Jubilee, dreams of adventure and helping animals. Growing up, she read books about Tarzan and dreamed of living in Africa. Despite her parents' disapproval, Jane pursues her passion for animals and science, and eventually earns a doctorate in ethology. She travels to Gombe, Tanzania, to study chimpanzees and makes groundbreaking discoveries about their behavior and social structures. Through her research, she learns about the importance of conservation and the impact of humans on the environment. She becomes an advocate for animal welfare and conservation, and her work inspires others to take action and make a difference.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jane Goodall
David Greybeard
Dr. Louis Leakey
Vanne Goodall
Discussion points
What traits do you think made Jane Goodall a great scientist and explorer?
If you could talk to animals like Jane Goodall did with chimps, what would you want to learn from them?
Jane Goodall made a big difference in the world. What kind of difference would you want to make?
How do you think taking care of animals can help protect our planet?
What did you learn from Jane Goodall's story that inspires you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about Jane Goodall’s dedication and patience. It’s important for them to see that impactful changes often require commitment.
Discuss the impact of respecting and learning from nature. Highlight how understanding animals can teach us more about our own humanity.
Use Jane’s story to motivate your child to think about their own passions and interests. Ask them how they can use their unique interests to make a difference like Jane did.
Create a supportive atmosphere that fosters your child’s curiosity about the natural world. Use examples from the book to ignite discussions on different environmental topics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Pursuing Passion
Explanation: The story showcases Jane Goodall's early fascination with animals and her persistent pursuit of a career in studying them, highlighting the importance of following one's passion.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and engage deeply with subjects or activities they feel passionate about, whether it's science, art, or any other field.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Determination
Explanation: Jane faces numerous challenges in her journey, including skepticism from the scientific community, but her determination never wavers, illustrating the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to tackle difficulties in their studies, friendships, or personal goals with a steadfast spirit, understanding that challenges are part of any worthwhile pursuit.
Example Lesson: Respecting Nature
Explanation: Through her gentle and observant approach to studying chimpanzees, Jane teaches us the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can practice being mindful of their environment, perhaps by participating in recycling programs, conserving water, or learning about wildlife.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: The book portrays Jane's insatiable curiosity about the animal kingdom, which leads her to profound discoveries about chimpanzees.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to ask questions and explore the world around them, fostering a love for learning and discovery that can apply in academics and beyond.
Example Lesson: Making a Difference
Explanation: Jane Goodall's work significantly impacted our understanding of primates and conservation, showing that individual efforts can lead to global change.
Real-World Application: Inspire children to contribute positively in their communities, perhaps by joining conservation efforts or helping those in need, underscoring how small actions can have big impacts.