Make a Splash: Independent Reading Non-Fiction Pink 1a
Collins big cat. Topaz, band 13 Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
This book is part of the Reading Champion series, designed to help young readers develop their skills through engaging and colorful stories. 'Make a Splash' encourages children to discover the joy of reading while they learn about different water activities and the importance of being safe near water. The book is linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills and is developed with UCL Institute of Education (IOE). It is a non-fiction text that explores how different people can make a splash in water. The repeated sentence structure provides a supportive first independent reading experience, accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book is carefully graded to match a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite fact about water in the book?
Why do you think water is important to us and the planet?
What can we do every day to save water?
How do you feel when you play with water or swim?
Can you think of ways we use water that the book didn't mention?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts or a fun water-related anecdote to spark your child's interest. Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings. Connect the discussion to daily life by talking about how your family uses water and the importance of conserving it. Show genuine interest in their responses and encourage them to ask questions as well. Lastly, consider doing a water-related activity together, such as visiting a local body of water or doing a simple water-saving experiment at home.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Water Conservation
Explanation: The book presents fun yet informative narratives that emphasize the necessity of preserving water through engaging storytelling.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to turn off taps when not in use, understand the significance of short showers, and discuss the topic of water conservation at school, instilling lifelong eco-friendly habits.
Example Lesson: Understanding Aquatic Life
Explanation: Through colorful illustrations and simple texts, children explore different water environments and their inhabitants, enhancing their understanding of biology and ecosystems.
Real-World Application: This knowledge encourages curiosity and respect for aquatic life, prompting visits to aquariums, participation in beach clean-ups, and fostering a sense of responsibility towards all living creatures.
Example Lesson: Developing Reading Confidence
Explanation: Designed for early readers, this book uses simple vocabulary and repeated sentence structures to help build reading skills and confidence.
Real-World Application: As children practice reading aloud and independently through such books, they improve their literacy, fluency, and self-confidence in academic and social settings.