Jump into Jobs: Working with Nature
Jump Into Jobs Series
What’s inside...
This book explores various jobs that involve working directly with nature and the environment. It provides insights into each role, the responsibilities it entails, and the impact it has on conserving the natural world. Additionally, the book features a whimsical counting poem about six woolly wombats venturing in the Australian outback, where they encounter a hungry dingo. Illustrated by Caldecott Medal-winner Sophie Blackall, the story is enriched with delightful wordplay and captivating read-aloud phrases, accompanied by a short glossary of Australian terms and wildlife.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways people help take care of nature in their jobs?
Can you think of a job you would like to do outside in nature? Why does that job interest you?
How do you think working with nature can help our planet?
What are some things you learned about nature from this book?
If you could create a job that helps nature, what would it be and what would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the book to their own experiences with nature, such as a visit to a park or garden.
Discuss the importance of different jobs and how they contribute to taking care of the environment.
Ask your child to draw or describe their ideal job in nature, fostering creativity and deeper understanding of the book’s themes.
Use the book as a springboard to plan a family activity related to nature, like planting a tree or visiting a wildlife reserve, to reinforce the lessons learned.
Highlight the roles of various professionals mentioned in the book and discuss how each contributes uniquely to environmental conservation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility towards the environment
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of caring for nature through characters who work in environmental fields, showing how their roles positively impact the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in activities like recycling, conserving water, or planting trees, fostering a sense of responsibility towards maintaining a healthy environment.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Characters in the book often work together to solve environmental challenges, which highlights the effectiveness of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to participate in group activities at school or in their community, teaching them how cooperation can lead to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The protagonists explore various jobs related to nature, sparking curiosity about different professions and the natural world.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to ask questions and explore different subjects in school or through extracurricular activities, enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face and resolve challenges related to environmental conservation, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can use these skills to navigate their own challenges, whether in academic settings or in daily life, improving their ability to think critically and find solutions.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: As the characters engage with their jobs, their love for nature and its preservation is evident, promoting a respect for the natural world.
Real-World Application: This lesson can lead children to spend more time outdoors, participate in nature-based activities, and develop a lasting appreciation for the environment.