Panda Kindergarten
on Goodreads (391)
What’s inside...
Panda Kindergarten is a charming real-life story that takes place in China at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in the Wolong Nature Preserve. The book showcases the daily lives of panda cubs raised in a special 'kindergarten', where they are nurtured and taught crucial life skills in a protected environment. With engaging text by Joanne Ryder and captivating photographs by Katherine Feng, readers follow the journey of these cubs as they form friendships and prepare for eventual release into the wild.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the baby pandas felt on their first day of kindergarten?
What are some ways the panda teacher helped the pandas feel comfortable?
Why is it important for the pandas to play and learn together?
Can you imagine what it would be like to be a panda for a day?
What lessons did the pandas learn that you think are important for you too?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own experiences or feelings about the first day at school to make your child feel more comfortable and connected.
Ask your child to draw similarities or differences between their school day and the pandas’ kindergarten experiences in the book.
Encourage empathy by focusing on how the pandas might feel in various scenarios and asking your child how they would feel in the same situation.
Utilize the illustrations in the book to discuss details that might not be explicitly mentioned in the text, deepening the understanding of the story.
After reading, consider watching a short video or looking at pictures of real pandas to further enrich the learning and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story portrays pandas forming bonds and helping each other throughout their day at kindergarten.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build and nurture friendships, understanding the value of supporting and having fun with peers.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Cooperation
Explanation: The pandas in the story share their toys and snacks, and learn to work together in group activities, illustrating key aspects of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these principles in school or playdates, fostering a cooperative spirit and learning to share with others.
Example Lesson: Routine and Structure
Explanation: The book follows a day in the life of panda kindergarteners, emphasizing the importance of routine with activities like snack time and nap time.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of a daily routine, making them feel secure and aiding in time management skills.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The pandas explore various learning activities, stimulating their curiosity about the world around them.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their interests and learn new concepts, promoting a love for learning that can be applied in school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Set in a natural habitat, the book subtly educates on respecting the environment and the importance of natural ecosystems.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of caring for the environment, encouraging them to be mindful of nature in their daily activities.