Tarantulas
Dangerous spiders Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
This book provides an overview of tarantulas, including their physical characteristics, behavior, and life cycle. It is part of the Gareth Stevens Imagination Library series, which features close-up photographs and easy-to-read text about the world's poisonous spiders. The book explains each spider's appearance, web-making, hunting methods, and discusses spider bites.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to have a tarantula as a pet?
How do tarantulas protect themselves from predators?
What are some differences and similarities between tarantulas and other spiders?
Why do you think people have different feelings about tarantulas?
What can we learn about nature and animals from studying tarantulas?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use visual aids from the book to help your child understand the size and look of tarantulas compared to common spiders.
Encourage empathy by discussing how tarantulas might feel in different situations shown in the book.
Relate the information to your child’s experiences by comparing fears and dispelling myths about spiders with facts.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or fact from the book to reinforce learning and making the session interactive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book 'Tarantulas' educates its reader about the habits and habitats of tarantulas, fostering a sense of awe and respect for these often misunderstood creatures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by observing and appreciating nature with curiosity rather than fear, understanding the role each creature plays in the ecosystem.
Example Lesson: Importance of Research
Explanation: Eric Ethan includes factual details about tarantulas, highlighting the importance of learning from reliable sources before forming opinions or making decisions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek knowledge and verify facts when they encounter something unknown, rather than relying on hearsay or assumptions.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: Through interesting facts and dispelling myths, the book helps reduce the common fear associated with tarantulas, teaching children to overcome their initial fears and approach the world with an open mind.
Real-World Application: Children can use this approach to manage their fear of the unknown, whether it’s meeting new people, trying new activities, or learning about creatures or topics that initially scare them.
Example Lesson: Conservation Awareness
Explanation: By showing the role tarantulas play in the environment, the book encourages readers to think about conservation and the effects of human activity on natural habitats.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to engage in activities that support environmental conservation and learn how even small actions can help protect Earth’s biodiversity.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: As 'Tarantulas' addresses the myths versus the facts about these spiders, it fosters critical thinking and encourages children to question and analyze the information presented to them.
Real-World Application: This lesson is applicable in a child's educational journey, promoting a mindset that values questioning and understanding rather than just accepting things at face value.