Possum and Wattle: My Big Book of Australian Words
What’s inside...
An eye-opening vocabulary book featuring words taken from Australia's inspiring natural environment—with a glossary of Aboriginal terms. More than 100 words about Australian animals, plants, and landscapes are defined and explained in this unique word book. From blossoms and bees through wombats and willy willys, the most prominent aspects of Australia's beautiful landscape are detailed here. Lavish illustrations range from small vignettes to expansive narrative landscapes and both captivate and celebrate the uniqueness of Australia and its language.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of your favorite words from the book, and what do they mean?
How do you think knowing these Australian words connects us with the culture and people?
Can you imagine a story using some of the words we’ve learned today?
Why is it important to learn words from other places around the world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to draw or describe scenes inspired by the new words they learn. You can create a fun quiz or a matching game with the words and their meanings to deepen their understanding. Share your own experiences or stories related to the themes addressed in the book to make the conversation more relatable and lively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Through vibrant illustrations and uniquely Australian words, children are introduced to the rich and diverse culture of Australia.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and appreciate different cultures within their own community and beyond, fostering a sense of global citizenship from a young age.
Example Lesson: Vocabulary Expansion
Explanation: The book introduces children to a variety of Australian terms and phrases, enhancing their language skills and vocabulary.
Real-World Application: Children can apply new words learned to express themselves more clearly and develop a love for exploring new languages and dialects.
Example Lesson: Visual Learning
Explanation: Each page is accompanied by colorful illustrations that depict the meaning behind each Australian word, reinforcing learning through visual aids.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to associate words with images, aiding in memory retention and making learning a more engaging and effective process.
Example Lesson: Connection to Nature
Explanation: Many terms in the book are related to the natural landscapes and wildlife of Australia, highlighting the importance of nature.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and appreciate the natural world around them, promoting environmental awareness from a young age.