Special Places and Whispering Sea Shells
illustrations by
What’s inside...
This enchanting collection captures the adventures and emotions of children as they explore special places and discover magical sea shells that whisper secrets of the ocean. These wonderful collection of poems, rhymes and songs are sure to delight your very youngest readers. With vibrant illustrations and fun, rhyming text, students are introduced to different genres on a wide range of topics. The poems, rhymes, songs and chants also link directly to Engage Literacy fiction and non-fiction texts, meaning teachers can use this book as part of the wider Engage Literacy programme.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes a place special?
How do you feel when you listen to the sound of the sea in a shell?
Can you imagine a new adventure in a special place? What would it be like?
Why do you think people like to keep shells as memories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their own special place, whether real or imagined, to deepen their connection with the book’s settings.
Discuss personal experiences with the sea or shells, and compare them to the events in the book to make the reading more relatable.
Ask your child to draw a picture of a scene from the book, enhancing their recall and engagement.
Create a comfortable, quiet reading nook that resembles a 'special place' to make reading sessions more inviting and thematic.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Through the adventurous journey of finding special places and collecting sea shells, the book demonstrates the joy and learning that stems from exploring the world around us.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage with their environment, ask questions, and explore new areas, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the world.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: As characters interact with natural settings, they treat them with care, highlighting the importance of preserving natural beauty and resources.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be mindful of their impact on the environment, fostering habits like not littering and participating in recycling efforts.
Example Lesson: The value of patience
Explanation: The characters often have to wait for the right time and tide to find the perfect sea shells, teaching that patience can lead to rewarding outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that some things, like friendships or mastering a new skill, take time and patience.
Example Lesson: Building imagination and creativity
Explanation: The vivid descriptions of special places and the unique sea shells spark imagination, encouraging children to create their own magical worlds.
Real-World Application: This stimulates creative thinking and problem-solving skills as children are inspired to invent stories, draw, or engage in creative play based on the book's settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of sharing experiences
Explanation: Characters often share their discoveries and stories about the sea shells with others, emphasizing the joy of sharing experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to share their own experiences and discoveries with family and friends, enhancing their communication skills and strengthening relationships.