Rainforest (The Big Picture)
The Big Picture Interactive / The Gospel Project Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
The Big Picture series and Explorers series are educational resources aimed at KS1 and early elementary students respectively, covering global topics, animal habitats, cultures, and rainforests. The books include teacher notes, photographic spreads, and interactive 'page links' for an engaging learning experience. They focus on key curriculum skills and promote scientific and geographical literacy through a guided reading scheme and story scenes.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is your favorite animal in the rainforest and why do you think it's important to its environment?
How do you think the rainforest helps our planet?
Can you imagine what a day in the life of a rainforest explorer might be like?
What are some ways we can help protect rainforests from far away?
How do you feel when you see pictures of the rainforest and learn about the different plants and animals that live there?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their responses to encourage deeper thinking. Ask follow-up questions based on their answers.
Relate the rainforest's biodiversity to the variety of life in your child’s own environment, making comparisons to local parks or gardens.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite rainforest scene or animal from the book, discussing the importance of each element they choose to include.
Discuss the interconnectedness of ecosystems and how the health of the rainforest impacts global health, including our climate.
Use a globe or map to locate different rainforests around the world and talk about the unique features or animals found in each one.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Biodiversity
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations and engaging text, 'Rainforest' showcases the variety of life in rainforest ecosystems, emphasizing how each organism depends on another for survival.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect the diversity in the natural world and understand the importance of conserving different species and habitats.
Example Lesson: Interdependence of Ecosystems
Explanation: The book explains how elements within the rainforest interact and rely on each other, from the tall trees needing the nutrient-rich soil to the small insects that pollinate flowers.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of teamwork and cooperation, helping them see how collaborative efforts often yield better results in their day-to-day interactions.
Example Lesson: Conservation Efforts
Explanation: Anita Ganeri addresses the threats that rainforests face, such as deforestation and climate change, and discusses how conservation efforts can mitigate these threats.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to participate in environmental preservation activities, such as recycling or joining conservation-focused groups, teaching them responsibility towards their environment.
Example Lesson: Adaptation of Species
Explanation: The book describes various adaptations animals and plants have developed to survive in the challenging environment of the rainforest.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adaptability and resilience in overcoming challenges in their own lives.