Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature
What’s inside...
This gorgeously illustrated volume of poetry, sprinkled with facts and fun things to do, sows an early love for nature in all its beauty and wonder. The buzz of bees in summertime, the tracks of a bird in the winter snow, and more are captured in this beautiful book which highlights a child's interactions with nature. Whether it's planting acorns, biting into crisp apples, studying tide pools, or watching the birds overhead, children are inspired to explore the world around them no matter where they are - city streets or country meadows. Written by award-winning author Nicola Davies and illustrated by Mark Hearld, 'Outside Your Window' is a stunning reminder that the natural world is right on our doorstep waiting to be discovered.
Age
3-7
Length
108 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would feel like to experience the different seasons described in the book?
Which part of nature described in the book would you like to explore, and why?
How do you think the animals feel as the seasons change?
What can we do to take care of nature like the characters in the book?
How do the illustrations help you understand what's happening in nature?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with the changing seasons to those described in the book. Use descriptive language from the book to deepen their understanding and vocabulary. Discuss the importance of environmental conservation and how small actions can make a difference, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy towards nature. Share personal stories or memories related to the natural phenomena described to enhance connection and relevance. Lastly, visit a local park or nature reserve to bring the book’s themes to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The book uses vivid illustrations and engaging poems to depict the beauty and diversity of the natural world across the seasons.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to observe and appreciate their natural surroundings, fostering a lifelong respect and care for the environment.
Example Lesson: Seasonal Changes
Explanation: Through the narrative, children learn about the changes that occur in nature with the progression of seasons, from spring blossoms to winter snow.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children understand the cyclic patterns of nature, enhancing their observational skills and awareness of the environment.
Example Lesson: Interdependence of Ecosystems
Explanation: The book introduces various animals and plants and their roles within their ecosystems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of each organism in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, which can promote responsible behavior towards wildlife and natural resources.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The narrative encourages exploring the outdoors and discovering new aspects of the environment, sparking curiosity.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to engage in outdoor activities, investigate nature, and learn through hands-on experiences.
Example Lesson: Sustainability
Explanation: By promoting an understanding of nature’s cycles and human impact on the environment, the book implicitly teaches sustainability.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt more sustainable habits, like recycling and conserving water, to help protect the natural world they learn about and appreciate.