Take-off! Materials: Wood
Take-off!. Series
What’s inside...
'Materials' is a series that explores the properties and characteristics of everyday materials. Each book in the series examines the ways in which materials are made into familiar products at a level that primary school children can understand. The series includes a book on wood which describes what wood is, where it comes from, and illustrates how wood is processed, used, and recycled.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some everyday items you can think of that are made of wood?
Why do you think wood is an important material for building things?
How do trees turn into wood that we can use for furniture or toys?
Can you think of any ways we can help take care of the forests where wood comes from?
What would you build out of wood if you could create anything? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to touch and feel different wooden objects around the home to connect the material discussed in the book with real life.
Use the book’s illustrations to point out specific uses of wood, and relate them to similar objects that the child sees in daily life.
Discuss the environmental aspect of using wood, like deforestation and sustainability, to instill a sense of responsibility towards nature.
After reading, consider a creative activity such as building something simple from wood scraps, or drawing a picture of a wooden object they’d like to build, to deepen the understanding and make the topic more engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Natural Resources
Explanation: The book educates children about wood as a natural resource, explaining how it's sourced and its various uses.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children appreciate the materials around them and encourages responsibility towards sustainable usage of natural resources.
Example Lesson: Exploring Science and Engineering
Explanation: Through discussing how wood can be used in different constructs, the book introduces basic concepts of engineering and material science.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by engaging in building or crafting projects, fostering early development in STEM fields.
Example Lesson: Cultivating Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of trees and the need to protect forests, promoting environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the significance of conservation and can participate in activities like recycling or tree planting in their community.
Example Lesson: Encouraging Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: By presenting information about wood in an accessible way, the book motivates children to ask questions and explore more about the world.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can extend to other subjects, enhancing overall academic performance and eagerness to learn.
Example Lesson: Promoting Practical Problem Solving
Explanation: The book shows how wood is used to solve everyday problems through different applications, like furniture or paper.
Real-World Application: Children can develop problem-solving skills by thinking of how various materials can be used to address needs or complete projects at home or school.