Mae & McKinley: Let's go to the zoo!
#3 of 2 in Mae & McKinley Adventures Series
What’s inside...
Come spend a Saturday with Mae & McKinley, sisters visiting the local zoo. Together they explore some of the animals exhibits and the other things to do at the zoo. Family time is always fun time in this book!
Character compass
Mae
Mckinley
Discussion points
What was your favorite animal that Mae and McKinley saw at the zoo and why?
How do you think the animals feel living in the zoo compared to the wild?
What is something new you learned about animals from this story?
If you could ask Mae and McKinley a question about their zoo adventure, what would it be?
Imagine you are creating your own zoo, which animals would you include and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize expressive reading to bring the story to life, using different voices for Mae and McKinley and emphasizing the animals' sounds at the zoo.
Pause at key moments to ask predictive questions, such as 'What animal do you think they will see next?' This keeps the child engaged and eager to find out more.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite zoo scene from the book. Discuss why they chose that particular scene and what they liked about it.
Relate the zoo animals to real-life experiences, like a visit to a local zoo or animals seen in nature documentaries, to enhance connection and understanding.
Discuss the importance of animal care and conservation, highlighting how zoos can help protect animals, tying back to the book’s depiction of the zoo environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Respect for Animals
Explanation: As Mae and McKinley interact with various animals at the zoo, they learn about the importance of treating all creatures with kindness and consideration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing empathy towards pets and wildlife, understanding that all living beings deserve respect and care.
Example Lesson: Importance of Conservation
Explanation: The story highlights the role zoos play in animal conservation and educates the characters on how they can contribute to protecting endangered species.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to participate in environmental preservation activities such as recycling, supporting wildlife conservation initiatives or visiting natural reserves responsibly.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Mae and McKinley's enthusiastic quest for knowledge about each animal and their habitat fosters a love of learning.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to ask questions and seek information about the world around them, which can be fostered through educational outings or exploring nature.
Example Lesson: The Value of Shared Experiences
Explanation: The story demonstrates how shared experiences, like visiting the zoo, can strengthen bonds between individuals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of spending quality time with family and friends, which can be nurtured by planning regular family outings or participating in group activities.