Is It Shiny
Science buzzwords Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
Text and pictures introduce a variety of antonyms such as transparent and opaque, shiny and dull, and hard and soft.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What shiny things did you notice in the book and how did they make you feel?
Can you think of something shiny we have at home and tell me why you like it?
Why do you think some objects are shiny and others are not?
How do you think the characters felt when they found something shiny?
Would you like to go on a hunt for shiny things? What would you hope to find?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about and describe the textures and appearances of objects in the book versus objects around your home.
Use descriptive language to discuss shiny objects and ask your child to do the same, which can help enhance their vocabulary.
Relate the story to real life by organizing a small scavenger hunt at home or in the park to find shiny objects, linking back to the story’s theme.
Discuss the characters' emotions in the story when they interact with shiny objects to help your child understand and express their own feelings about similar discoveries.
Ask your child to draw or create a collage of shiny objects from the book or from your scavenger hunt to reinforce their understanding and engagement with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Exploration and Discovery
Explanation: In 'Is It Shiny?', children are encouraged to explore different objects and materials to determine if they are shiny. This exploration fosters curiosity and observational skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in everyday life by engaging with their environment more keenly, noticing details, and categorizing objects based on their properties.
Example Lesson: Introduction to Textures
Explanation: The book introduces various textures besides shiny, such as rough, smooth, and soft. This helps children learn and differentiate between tactile sensations.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in developing sensory awareness, crucial for tasks such as dressing (choosing appropriate clothing based on texture) and eating (identifying food textures).
Example Lesson: Language Development
Explanation: By describing whether objects are shiny or not, the book enriches children's vocabulary related to descriptive adjectives and properties of objects.
Real-World Application: Enhanced vocabulary helps in expressing themselves more clearly and understanding communication from others, improving interpersonal interactions and learning.
Example Lesson: Cause and Effect
Explanation: The book shows the effect of light on objects to explain why some things are shiny, teaching children about cause and effect.
Real-World Application: Understanding cause and effect helps children anticipate outcomes, which is fundamental in problem-solving and making predictions about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: By focusing on the shininess of objects, the book encourages children to pay close attention to small details—a skill that is important in academic settings and everyday observations.
Real-World Application: Paying attention to detail can help children excel in tasks that require precision and careful observation, such as puzzles, art projects, and following directions.