Octopuses
Beasts of Prey Series
What’s inside...
Octopuses are marine animals known for their eight arms, high intelligence, and ability to camouflage. They are soft-bodied, with no internal or external skeleton, allowing them to squeeze into tight spaces. Octopuses are found in various regions of the ocean, including coral reefs, pelagic waters, and the seabed. They feed on crabs, fish, and other small creatures, using their arms to capture prey and their beak to break open hard shells. Octopuses have complex nervous systems and exhibit advanced behaviors such as tool use and problem-solving.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about how octopuses live and adapt in the ocean?
How do you think the octopus feels when it changes color? Can you think of a time when you adapted to a new situation?
Why do you think octopuses collect shells and other objects? What would you collect if you lived under the sea?
If you could ask an octopus one question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
To make the discussion more interactive, consider watching a short documentary or video about octopuses together after reading the book. Use visual aids to help your child connect the information. Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or octopus from the book. This can lead to more questions and discussions about the story and facts in the book. Relate the adaptability of the octopus to personal experiences where your child had to adapt, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The book 'Octopuses' dives into the mysterious world of octopuses, demonstrating their intriguing behaviors and adaptations in the ocean. It shows how octopuses explore their environment to survive and thrive.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the natural world and to explore their surroundings to learn new things. It instills a mindset of inquiry and discovery in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Tanya Lee Stone illustrates how octopuses can change color and texture to blend into their surroundings, showcasing their amazing ability to adapt to different situations.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of adapting to various environments and situations, whether it’s at school, home, or in social settings. It emphasizes flexibility and resilience.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book highlights the intelligence of octopuses, particularly in how they solve problems, like escaping predators or finding food. This aspect is demonstrated through engaging narrative and real-life examples.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to think critically and develop problem-solving skills that can be applied in their academic and personal life. It helps them approach challenges with a logical and creative mindset.
Example Lesson: Conservation Awareness
Explanation: ‘Octopuses’ brings attention to the habitat of octopuses and the environmental challenges they face, educating readers on the importance of ocean conservation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be aware of environmental issues and instills a sense of responsibility to take care of our planet. It can lead to eco-friendly practices like recycling and conserving water.
Example Lesson: Empathy for Wildlife
Explanation: Through detailed descriptions and emotional narrative, the book fosters a connection between young readers and the often misunderstood octopus, promoting empathy towards all creatures.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop compassion and empathy towards animals, advocating for kind and ethical treatment of all living beings in their daily interactions.