Outside, You Notice
What’s inside...
Outside, You Notice is a poetic exploration of how children observe and interact with nature, encouraging curiosity and appreciation for the environment. The book combines child-like observations with factual information about the habits and habitats of animals, insects, birds, and plants. It invites young scientists and daydreamers to look closely and think deeply through lyrical nonfiction text and nostalgic illustrations. This book celebrates all kinds of 'outside' spaces available to children, from backyards to city parks to sidewalk cracks.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of exploring nature in the story, and why?
How do you feel when you spend time outside, just like the characters in the book?
What are some new things you would like to discover outdoors?
How do you think taking care of our environment helps the animals and plants?
If you could create your own outdoor adventure, what would it look like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own favorite outdoor activity and ask your child to describe theirs, making connections to the scenes in the book.
Encourage your child to draw or describe an animal or plant they learned about in the book.
Use questions that prompt your child to think about their personal connection to the outdoors, enhancing their empathy for nature.
Discuss the importance of nature and the environment, relating it back to the book's themes and how they can help in their own community.
Plan a family outdoor adventure that mirrors an adventure in the book, which can later be discussed and compared to the characters' experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: The book encourages children to be keen observers of their surroundings, nurturing curiosity about the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can practice observing details in their local park or backyard, helping them to further appreciate nature and develop scientific thinking.
Example Lesson: The Value of Mindfulness
Explanation: Through its narrative, the book promotes mindfulness by noticing subtle changes and beauty in the outdoor environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied by children taking a moment to reflect on their day, enhancing their emotional regulation and appreciation for simple joys.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: As the protagonists explore various settings, they imagine different scenarios, fostering creativity.
Real-World Application: Kids can engage in imaginative play outdoors, creating stories and artwork inspired by what they see and experience.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book teaches children to treat nature with kindness and respect, highlighting the importance of sustainable behaviors.
Real-World Application: This can translate into everyday habits like recycling, conserving water, or planting flowers, instilling environmental stewardship from a young age.
Example Lesson: Interpersonal Relationships
Explanation: It illustrates how shared experiences, like exploring nature, can strengthen bonds between friends and family.
Real-World Application: Children can initiate outdoor activities with peers or family members, which helps build strong, supportive relationships.