British wildlife Series
Squirrels
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
With large colour photographs throughout, this series takes a detailed look at some of Britain's more familiar wildlife. Included are 'animal facts' boxes, 'animal clues' panels and extracts from stories or myths about the animal.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think squirrels like to do the most?
How do you think the squirrel feels when it's gathering nuts?
Can you imagine what it would be like to live in a tree like a squirrel?
Why do you think squirrels hide their nuts?
What can we learn from how squirrels prepare for winter?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive facial expressions and voice modulation to mimic squirrel actions while reading to make the story come alive.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the squirrel’s activities and their own daily routines to deepen understanding.
After reading, spend some time outside observing nature, and encourage your child to point out anything that reminds them of the book.
Ask your child to imagine and describe an extra adventure for the squirrel, fostering creative thinking.
Relate the themes of the book to personal experiences or family stories to make the discussion more relatable and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In 'Squirrels', the squirrel characters learn to share their acorns with each other, promoting a harmonious community.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of sharing with siblings and friends, fostering cooperative and social skills.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book depicts squirrels exploring their environment, showcasing their curiosity and eagerness to learn.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their surroundings and learn from them, enhancing their cognitive and investigative skills.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The squirrels face various challenges like finding food, which they overcome through teamwork and creativity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use problem-solving skills in their own life challenges, like resolving conflicts or tackling complex tasks.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite difficulties, the squirrels continue their efforts to gather food and survive, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and resilience when confronted with personal challenges, helping them develop a strong and adaptable character.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: The lush depiction of the squirrels’ natural habitat encourages a deeper appreciation and respect for wildlife and forests.
Real-World Application: Instills in children a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation and the importance of caring for our natural world.