Survival at 40 Below
What’s inside...
As temperatures drop, the animals that make the tundra home must ready themselves for survival. See how animals like the arctic ground squirrel and the woolly bear caterpillar use special coping devices to keep warm as they hibernate their way through the frigid winter months. Then when the temperatures finally rise, these creatures emerge and the pulse of life returns to the arctic.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the animals feel in the cold environment described in the book?
What survival strategies did the animals use that impressed you the most?
Why is teamwork important for survival in harsh conditions?
Can you think of a time when you had to adapt to a challenging situation like the animals did?
What can we learn from the way animals prepare for winter?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the environment described in the book by asking them to compare it with the seasons they experience.
Discuss the importance of adaptation and preparation, relating it to everyday tasks and challenges your child might face.
Highlight the significance of teamwork by relating it to the child’s own experiences in sports or group activities.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the animals' strategies and human strategies for dealing with cold or adverse conditions.
Praise your child’s responses and insights to boost their confidence and interest in discussing more complex themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptation
Explanation: In 'Survival at 40 Below,' the stunningly harsh environment of the Alaskan wilderness is vividly portrayed. Animals demonstrate resilience by adapting their behaviors to survive extreme temperatures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of resilience in challenging conditions and the value of adapting to varying situations, useful in overcoming personal challenges and changes.
Example Lesson: Interdependence of Ecosystems
Explanation: The book explores the interconnectedness of different animals and plants in the Alaskan ecosystem, showing how each organism relies on others for survival.
Real-World Application: This narrative can help children understand the importance of every role in a community, nurturing respect and responsibility towards others and the environment.
Example Lesson: The Cycle of Life
Explanation: Through detailed narratives and illustrations, the book describes the life cycles of various Arctic creatures, elucidating themes of birth, growth, survival, and death.
Real-World Application: Introduces children to the concept of life cycles, imparting lessons on growth and the natural progression of life, helping them to cope with changes and loss in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Each page of 'Survival at 40 Below' invites curiosity as readers explore how different animals thrive in harsh conditions, through engaging storytelling and factual information.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and enthusiastic learners, fostering a love for exploring new topics and acquiring knowledge in their daily educational journey.
Example Lesson: Empathy Towards Animals
Explanation: The book provides insight into the struggles of wildlife in extreme climates, which can cultivate empathy and a deeper appreciation for animals' experiences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to treat animals with kindness and consideration, extending empathy to understanding different living conditions and environments beyond their own.