My Home on the Ice (Rookie Poetry: Animal Homes)
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
Did you know that many animals make their homes in the coldest, most barren places on Earth?Beautiful color photos and lyrical text written by Children's Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis transform these nonfiction books into works of art as they introduce readers (Ages 6-7) to the animals that live in the some of the Earth's most fascinating biomes. Meet emperor penguins, arctic foxes, and more in the pages of My Home on the Ice.
Why read this book
- Engaging poetry introduces children to unique animal habitats.
- Enhances vocabulary through rhythmic and rhyming text.
- Sparks curiosity about different wildlife and environments.
- Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.
Age
6-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to live on ice like the animals in the book?
How do you think the animals feel about their home on the ice?
What was your favorite part of the poem, and why?
Can you think of other animals that live in cold places? How do they survive?
How is living on ice different from living in our home?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the book, setting an example of how to express opinions and insights.
Encourage your child to describe the ice environment using their own words and imagination, reinforcing their understanding and vocabulary.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or animal from the book, then discuss the drawing to delve deeper into their perception and interpretation.
Relate the story to your child's personal experiences with cold weather, sparking a connection between the book's theme and their own life.
Praise your child’s responses to cultivate a positive and encouraging discussion environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptation to environments
Explanation: The book illustrates how animals in the Arctic adapt to extreme cold and icy conditions, making it a vibrant example of resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adjusting to different situations and environments, whether it's starting at a new school or trying out a new activity.
Example Lesson: Diversity of animal homes
Explanation: Through its poetic descriptions, the book showcases various animals and their unique homes on the ice, highlighting the concept of biodiversity.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate and respect different living spaces and cultures, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Importance of community
Explanation: The narrative may depict ice-dwelling animals interacting or living in groups, stressing the importance of community.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of teamwork and cooperation in their family, school, and among friends.
Example Lesson: Survival skills
Explanation: The book touches on how animals survive harsh climates, which can introduce children to basic survival concepts and the necessity of certain skills in nature.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage resourcefulness and problem-solving in children when they face challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Ecosystem interdependence
Explanation: It portrays the symbiotic relationships and dependency among different species living on the ice.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the importance of maintaining balance in different systems, be it in environmental or social contexts.