Polar Bears
First Reading Level 4 Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Wrap up warm to explore the world of polar bears, where young children can discover how polar bears keep warm, catch their prey and survive in the dangerous icy waters of the Arctic Circle.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to live in the Arctic like the polar bears?
How do the polar bears in the story help each other survive?
What are some ways we can help protect polar bears in the wild?
Why is the ice important for the polar bears, and what might happen if there isn't enough ice?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the life of a polar bear by asking them to describe a day living in the Arctic.
Discuss the importance of community and helping each other, drawing parallels between the polar bears' cooperation and your child's experiences with friends or family.
Use the book as a starting point to talk about environmental conservation, explaining how our actions can impact wildlife like polar bears.
After reading, engage your child in drawing a polar bear or their favorite scene from the book to deepen their connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Polar Bears', children witness the struggles the polar bear family faces due to changing climates, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the effects of global warming on wildlife.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy learnt by engaging in environmentally friendly practices at home, like recycling, to aid in preserving natural habitats.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: The book showcases the polar bear parents protecting and nurturing their cubs, emphasizing the importance of family bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to appreciate and contribute to their own family's wellbeing, understanding their vital role within the family unit.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As polar bears adapt to harsh environments, kids learn the importance of adapting to new challenges and situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be carried into a child’s life as they learn to adjust to changes such as moving to a new city or adapting to a new school environment.
Example Lesson: Courage in Adversity
Explanation: Facing predators and severe weather, the polar bears demonstrate courage, teaching children to face fears and overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can remember the courage of the polar bears when facing their own challenges, be it at school or in social situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite the hardships, the polar bear family perseveres, providing a potent example of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up easily when dealing with difficulties in learning new skills or hobbies.