What’s inside...
Soil covers most of the land on Earth. It feeds plants and is home to many animals. Discover why soil is an important part of nature!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about how soil helps plants grow?
Why do you think worms and other small creatures are important for soil?
How can we help take care of the soil in our garden or park?
What are some things that might harm the soil and how can we prevent that?
Can you think of ways we could explore soil together outside?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to predict what might happen if soil wasn't taken care of before reading that section of the book.
Relate the book’s themes to your child’s everyday life by discussing the soil in your own garden or a nearby park.
Help them make personal connections by sharing why you think maintaining healthy soil is important.
Foster curiosity by suggesting a hands-on activity like planting a small flower or vegetable together and observing how the soil changes over time.
Reinforce the learning by revisiting the book after the outdoor activity, discussing any new insights or changes in perspective about the importance of soil.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Soil,' various characters come together to solve a problem, depicting how teamwork leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other’s contributions.
Example Lesson: Caring for the Environment
Explanation: The story emphasizes the role of soil in the ecosystem and encourages protecting and nurturing it.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be environmentally conscious, which can translate into everyday habits like recycling or helping in a garden.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonist's journey is driven by curiosity about the soil, highlighting how seeking knowledge can lead to important discoveries.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to ask questions and explore subjects in their daily life, enhancing their educational growth.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Characters in the book face challenges that they overcome by coming up with creative solutions, underscoring the value of problem solving.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this lesson to tackle obstacles they face in schoolwork or their personal lives, developing critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout 'Soil,' the characters encounter setbacks but continue to persevere, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that setbacks are a part of life, and that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties.