Mantises (Creepy Creatures)
Creepy Creatures Series
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
A basic introduction to mantises, examining where they live, how they grow, what they eat, and the unique traits that help to define them, such as their ability to rotate their heads. This book is part of a series that spotlights six mini-beasts, providing clear text and up-close photos to give young readers an easy-to-follow introduction to the creature's body, growth process, behavior, food sources, and common habitats. Each title concludes with an activity that emphasizes a defining physical characteristic.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What makes mantises different from other insects you know about?
How do mantises adapt to their environments to survive?
Why do you think mantises are considered 'creepy creatures'?
Can you think of any ways that mantises are helpful to nature?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you read, pause on pictures showing the mantis in different poses and ask your child to describe what they see.
Encourage your child to compare mantises with other insects or creatures they know, fostering critical thinking.
Discuss the importance of mantises to the ecosystem to help your child understand ecological balance.
Share your feelings about mantises and ask about your child’s feelings, which can promote empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The book encourages exploration and discovery through detailed information about mantises, sparking curiosity about the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to observe and learn about various creatures and their environments, fostering a lifelong love for learning and science.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: By showcasing the life and habits of mantises, the book teaches children to appreciate and respect even the smallest creatures.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to be mindful of their interactions with all forms of life, promoting ecological awareness and responsibility.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The book describes how mantises wait patiently to catch their prey, demonstrating the importance of patience.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of waiting patiently to achieve desired outcomes, applicable in studies, hobbies, and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Diversity in Nature
Explanation: Mantises (Creepy Creatures) introduces children to the wide variety of mantis species, highlighting the diversity within a single type of creature.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diversity in the natural world, paralleling the importance of diversity among people in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Survival Skills
Explanation: The book explores different tactics mantises use for survival, such as camouflage and swift capturing techniques.
Real-World Application: Children learn about adaptability and the importance of using skills and resources effectively to navigate challenges in their own lives.