Teachings of the Great Outdoors: Exploring Nature, Robin Finds Herself
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Tapping her fingers quickly on the kitchen table, Robin, a curious and thoughtful young girl, expresses her uncertainty about what she wants to be when she grows up. Her mother suggests an adventure in the woods to discover her true calling. Along their journey, nature's elements symbolize potential paths for Robin: the majestic tree represents resilience, the warm sun signifies spreading light and warmth, the butterfly's wanderlust encourages exploration, and the river teaches the value of adaptability. 'Teachings of the Great Outdoors' weaves the path of self-discovery through nature, emphasizing the connection between self and the natural world. This narrative encourages young readers aged 6-11 to explore their own paths and draw inspiration from nature's wisdom.
Discussion points
What do you think Robin felt when she first explored the forest?
How did the different animals and plants Robin discovered help her learn about nature?
Why is it important to take care of our natural surroundings like Robin did?
What was your favorite part of the adventure, and what would you like to explore in nature?
If you were Robin, what other natural places would you want to visit and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about nature by drawing parallels between their own experiences and Robin’s journey. Use descriptive words from the book to build vocabulary and ask your child to describe scenes from the book using their senses. After discussing the questions, plan a simple family nature walk to practically connect with the themes of the story, enhancing the reading experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Through Robin's journey, children learn about the importance of respecting and preserving the environment as she navigates through the natural world, encountering various wildlife and plant life.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in activities like recycling, conserving water, and participating in community clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Robin's adventure is filled with discovery, showcasing her curiosity about the natural elements around her. Her questions and interactions with her surroundings encourage a love for learning.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to ask questions, explore their own environments, and seek knowledge both in and outside of school settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: As Robin encounters challenges during her outdoor exploration, such as navigating a difficult trail or helping a lost animal, she uses critical thinking to find solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own challenges with resilience, using logic and creativity to solve problems in daily life.
Example Lesson: Empathy for Creatures
Explanation: Robin shows empathy towards the animals she meets, understanding their needs and emotions, which teaches children compassion towards all living things.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be reflected in how children interact with pets and wildlife, showing kindness and consideration for their wellbeing.
Example Lesson: Self-Discovery
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Robin learns about her strengths and weaknesses, which is a key process in self-discovery and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in self-reflection, understanding themselves better and growing in confidence and self-awareness.