It's a Good Thing There Are Snakes (Rookie Read-About Science: It's a Good Thing...)
Rookie read-about science Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Snakes look scary and some are deadly, but they are also helpful. They hunt pests like rats that harm crops and their venom is used to make medicine. Snakes also serve as food for hawks, foxes, raccoons, and other animals. The book is designed with well-organized chapters to help young readers (Ages 6-7) identify key details. It includes illustrations, captions, bold print, and photographs to aid navigation and enhance understanding of the text.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some reasons snakes are important in nature?
How do you feel about snakes after reading this book?
What was the most surprising thing you learned about snakes?
Can you explain how snakes help control pest populations?
Why do you think the author says it's a good thing there are snakes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about snakes, and revisit these ideas after reading to compare.
Encourage your child to imagine what their garden or a local park might be like without snakes, discussing the balance of nature.
Use the book’s illustrations to discuss different types of snakes, focusing on colors, sizes, and habitats.
Post-reading, engage your child in a creative activity like drawing their favorite snake from the book and labeling its parts.
Prompt your child to think critically by asking if there's anything about snakes they still find puzzling or want to know more about.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature and wildlife
Explanation: The book educates children on the important roles that snakes play in the ecosystem, fostering a sense of respect and appreciation for these often misunderstood creatures.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and protect wildlife, understanding that every creature has a significant role in nature.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fear with knowledge
Explanation: Through engaging facts and perspectives, the book addresses common fears associated with snakes, showing how knowledge can replace fear with interest and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by approaching unfamiliar or initially scary situations with curiosity and learning, helping them to manage fears in various aspects of life.
Example Lesson: Importance of biodiversity
Explanation: The book illustrates how snakes contribute to controlling pest populations and maintaining healthy environments, teaching the concept of biodiversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the understanding that diverse ecosystems are crucial, encouraging future advocacy and actions that support environmental sustainability.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: By presenting information on the various types of snakes and their different roles, the book promotes critical thinking and analysis.
Real-World Application: Children learn to analyze information, make informed opinions, and appreciate the complexity of ecosystems, which is a skill they can use in academics and everyday decisions.