Little Turtle and the Song of the Sea
What’s inside...
This poetic story relates the perilous journey that Little Turtle must endure from when he hatches on the beach to his final arrival at the sea.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Little Turtle felt when he heard the song of the sea for the first time?
Why is the ocean important to all the creatures living in it, including Little Turtle?
What can we do to help keep the oceans clean and safe for animals like Little Turtle?
If you were Little Turtle, what would be the first thing you'd want to explore in the sea?
How do you think the story would change if Little Turtle chose not to follow the Song of the Sea?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use expressive and varied tones to mimic different characters and elements of the sea, making the story come alive for your child.
Encourage your child to imagine being part of Little Turtle's underwater world, asking them to describe what they see, hear, and feel.
Link the story’s themes to real-world examples, such as discussing local marine life or planning a visit to an aquarium to deepen the connection with the book’s message.
After each question, give your child plenty of time to think and express their thoughts, showing genuine interest in their responses to foster a deeper discussion.
Highlight the importance of caring for our environment, drawing parallels between the book's message and easy everyday actions your family can take to help protect our oceans.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Throughout the story, Little Turtle experiences several challenges and receives help from friends, teaching children the importance of understanding and helping others in distress.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by offering help or comfort to their peers or siblings when they notice they are upset or in trouble.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Little Turtle's journey back to the sea is fraught with obstacles, yet he persists until he reaches his goal, demonstrating the value of determination and hard work.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to keep trying in their own lives, whether it's learning a new skill or completing a difficult task at school.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The story highlights the impact of pollution on marine life, emphasizing the importance of taking care of our environment to protect creatures like Little Turtle.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in local clean-up activities or be more mindful of how they dispose of waste to protect local wildlife.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: Little Turtle’s friends play a crucial role in his journey, illustrating how teamwork and cooperation can overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their friendships and see how cooperation and teamwork can help solve problems in group settings like school projects or sports.