Polar Bear: Shrinking Ice (Built for Cold: Arctic Animals)
Built For Cold. Arctic Animals Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
In 'Polar Bear: Shrinking Ice (Built for Cold: Arctic Animals),' author Stephen Person explores the impact of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem, focusing on polar bears. The book highlights the challenges polar bears face due to melting ice caps and shrinking sea ice, affecting their hunting, mating, and survival abilities. Through vivid photographs and engaging text, Person showcases the resilience and adaptations of polar bears while emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts. Additionally, the narrative follows wildlife biologist BJ Kirschhoffer in Churchill, Canada, as he investigates the mystery of undernourished polar bears. Readers are taken on a real-life adventure, learning about polar bears' survival strategies in their harsh environment and the broader implications of environmental changes.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the polar bear feels about its home in the Arctic?
Why is the Arctic ice important for polar bears and other animals?
What can we do to help protect the homes of Arctic animals like the polar bear?
How do polar bears adapt to their cold environment?
What did you learn about the Arctic ecosystem from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
While reading, pause to reflect on the images and ask your child what they notice about the polar bear’s environment.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine how they would feel if their home was slowly disappearing, relating it to the polar bear’s situation.
Discuss the importance of taking care of our planet and how every small action can help in the conservation of wildlife habitats.
After reading, watch a short documentary or video about polar bears with your child to reinforce the information and make it more vivid.
Create a simple art project, like drawing a polar bear or crafting an icy habitat, which can help your child better understand and connect with the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book highlights the challenges polar bears face due to shrinking ice caps in the Arctic, emphasizing the impact of climate change on their habitat.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of caring for the environment and be encouraged to participate in or advocate for sustainability practices at home or in their community.
Example Lesson: Adaptation and Resilience
Explanation: As the icy landscape changes, the story showcases how polar bears adapt to their evolving environment, teaching children about resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied to encouraging children to adapt to changes in their lives, whether it's a new school, new siblings, or any other changes, and to approach such changes positively.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: By observing the difficulties that polar bears face, such as finding food and shelter, children can develop feelings of empathy for animals.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be more compassionate and kind towards animals and people, understanding the challenges others face.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Biodiversity
Explanation: The book explains how polar bears play a crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things and learn why each species is important to maintaining the balance of our environment.
Example Lesson: Scientific Curiosity
Explanation: Exploring the life of polar bears in an Arctic setting introduces children to scientific concepts and the methods used by scientists to study animals.
Real-World Application: This can spark a child’s interest in science and exploration, possibly leading them to explore more about different animals, habitats, and the Earth’s climate.