Outside: A Guide to Discovering Nature
illustrations by
on Goodreads (126)
What’s inside...
This book, created in collaboration with Portuguese experts and winner of the Bologna Regazzi award, encourages exploration of the natural world. It covers various aspects of fauna, flora, and other natural elements, providing activity suggestions and illustrations to engage the whole family. It aims to inspire curiosity and motivate readers to explore and appreciate the outdoors, even in urban settings. The book includes engaging questions and prompts that help readers discover or simply admire the amazing world that exists outdoors, from clouds and stars to rocks and beaches.
Discussion points
What kind of wildlife did you find most interesting in the book, and why?
If you could explore any of the habitats mentioned in the book, which one would you choose, and what would you hope to discover there?
How do you think we can help take care of the nature around us?
What are some ways you think nature is important to people?
Can you think of a time when you felt really connected to nature? What was that like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the content of the book to their personal experiences with nature. Use the open-ended questions as a starting point for a deeper conversation about the importance of nature and conservation. Validate their feelings and thoughts, and share your own stories of interacting with nature to foster a sense of connection and shared learning. Consider planning a family nature walk to bring the book's themes to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The book guides children through various aspects of the natural world, encouraging them to notice and appreciate the small details around them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in outdoor activities, like hiking or gardening, fostering a lifelong love and care for the environment.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The narrative and activities in 'Outside' encourage children to ask questions and explore their surroundings to learn more about nature.
Real-World Application: This trait can be fostered in a child’s everyday life by encouraging them to ask questions and seek out answers about the world around them, whether in a park, during a walk, or in their own backyard.
Example Lesson: Responsibility towards the Environment
Explanation: The book instills the importance of conservation and respect for wildlife through its interactive storytelling.
Real-World Application: Children can practice this by being conscientious about recycling, being gentle with plants and animals they encounter, and learning about local conservation efforts.
Example Lesson: Observational Skills
Explanation: Through fun activities and guided observation, children are taught to hone their observational skills, crucial for scientific thinking.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children in school subjects like science, enhances their attention to detail, and can even be a fun part of family trips to the park or nature reserves.
Example Lesson: Self-Reliance
Explanation: The book tasks children with activities that promote independence, such as identifying plants or tracking animal footprints without adult help.
Real-World Application: In daily life, these activities help children feel capable and confident in their abilities to make decisions and solve problems independently.