In My Backyard
What’s inside...
This rhythmic children's story introduces common backyard animals by counting from one to 10, presenting each animal's baby and family group names. Through clever stanzas, readers learn additional details about each animal's diet, sounds, and habitat. The 'For Creative Minds' section provides further animal facts, encourages nature journaling, and offers tips for wildlife observation.
Age
0-2
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite animal shown in the backyard and why?
How do you think the backyard changes with each season?
Can you describe how the little boy felt when he discovered a new creature?
What would you like to explore in our backyard or a nearby park?
If you could add any animal or plant to our backyard, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own backyard as a mini-adventure, relating scenes from the book to real-life experiences.
Use expressive reading techniques, like changing your tone and volume when new creatures are discovered in the story, to make the reading experience more immersive.
After reading, take a walk in your own backyard or a nearby park to explore and discuss the natural elements as they relate to the story.
Ask follow-up questions to your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the book's themes.
Share your own childhood stories of exploring nature to build a stronger bond and enrich the conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: In 'In My Backyard', the children explore various aspects of their backyard, learning about different plants and animals. This fosters a deep respect and appreciation for the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in activities like planting trees, recycling, and conserving water to help protect and respect their own environment.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The narrative follows the main character as they discover new and interesting facts about their backyard, encouraging a sense of wonder and exploration.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in everyday life by encouraging children to ask questions, explore their surroundings, and learn about different subjects that pique their interest.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, the children take part in cleaning up their backyard and taking care of the plants and animals they learn about, which teaches them about responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can take on small responsibilities at home such as feeding pets, helping with gardening, or keeping their room tidy to practice this lesson.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The children in the book work together to explore and clean their backyard, illustrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperative play and working in groups at school or in sports, enhancing their social and cooperative skills.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: As the children create games and activities related to their backyard adventures, they use their imagination extensively, which highlights the importance of creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in creative activities such as drawing, building, or making up stories, fostering their imaginative skills in real life.