Nature in Your Neighbourhood: British Mammals
Nature In Your Neighbourhood Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A delightful journey exploring the various mammals native to Britain, capturing their habits, environments, and the role they play in nature. This comprehensive guide covers mammals that inhabit British cities, countryside, and waterways. It provides insights on how to spot them and educates about the classification of mammals. The book is part of the 'Nature in your neighbourhood' series, which focuses on the flora and fauna that thrive in close proximity to humans.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which mammal in the book did you find most interesting and why?
How do you think these mammals feel during different seasons?
What can we do to help protect the habitats of these mammals?
If you could be any mammal from the book for a day, which one would you choose and what would you do?
How do you think the lives of these mammals are similar or different to ours?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in the answers your child provides, and encourage them to elaborate on their thoughts.
Relate the discussion back to personal experiences or familiar surroundings to make the connection stronger.
Before you start reading, ask your child what they know about British mammals to gauge their prior knowledge.
Use the illustrations in the book to prompt further discussion, pointing out details and asking questions about them.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite mammal and describe a story about its day.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Wildlife
Explanation: The book portrays various British mammals in their natural habitats, educating children about the importance of respecting wildlife and understanding their roles in our ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and treat animals with kindness, which can extend to how they treat pets and other animals they encounter.
Example Lesson: Biodiversity Awareness
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations and descriptions, the book introduces children to the concept of biodiversity and how different species contribute to the ecological balance.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children understand the importance of conservation efforts and encourages them to participate in or support environmental activities.
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: As children read about the habits and features of each mammal, they enhance their observation skills, learning to notice details and differences between animals.
Real-World Application: These skills can be applied during outdoor activities, school projects, or any learning environment, improving their attention to detail and critical thinking.
Example Lesson: Scientific Curiosity
Explanation: The book provides factual information about each mammal, sparking curiosity about science and the natural world.
Real-World Application: This fosters a love for learning that can lead children to explore more scientific topics, participate in science-related activities, and choose educational books and materials in the future.
Example Lesson: Empathy Towards Animals
Explanation: By learning about the challenges and environments of various mammals, children develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the struggles wildlife may face.
Real-World Application: This empathy can cultivate a more caring and compassionate attitude towards all living beings, promoting a more harmonious coexistence.