The Ant's Nest: A Huge, Underground City (Spectacular Animal Towns)
Spectacular Animal Towns Series
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
Explore the fascinating world of ants and their complex underground cities. Learn about their roles in the colony, how they care for their queen and young, grow their own food, and work together in astounding ways. Discover the intricate systems of tunnels and chambers, and be amazed by the strength and organization of these tiny creatures. With captivating photos and detailed information, young readers will be enthralled by the incredible lives and habitats of ants. Tour one of nature's busiest neighborhoods! Ants create huge underground nests to serve the needs of their colonies. A complex system of tunnels and chambers, a colony may be home to as many as 500,000 ants. The insects are highly organized and surprisingly strong when they all work together. They cooperate in tasks like building and protecting the colony, gathering food, and caring for the colony's young. Jaw-dropping photos, a habitat map, and fascinating information will captivate young readers as they learn about these truly spectacular animal towns.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some similarities and differences between the ant's nest and our city?
Why do you think teamwork is important for the ants in building their nest?
How do the ants communicate with each other to coordinate their tasks?
What can we learn from the ants about working together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by relating the ants' activities to your child's daily routines or chores.
Encourage your child to imagine what life would be like if they were an ant, fostering empathy and curiosity.
Ask your child to draw or describe their ideal ant nest, incorporating elements from the book.
Highlight the importance of each ant's role and relate it to teamwork in human society, emphasizing cooperation and collaboration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The book illustrates how ants work together to build and maintain their complex underground city, showcasing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson of cooperation by participating in group activities at school or helping out with family tasks, learning that teamwork can lead to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Through the narration of the ants' daily duties, children see how each ant has specific roles that contribute to the wellbeing of their community.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of fulfilling their own responsibilities, whether it’s completing homework or performing chores, to help their communities, like family or classroom.
Example Lesson: Ingenuity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The book highlights the ingenious methods ants use to build their nests and overcome environmental challenges.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to think creatively to solve problems they face, be it in their studies or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Ants often face obstacles like predators and harsh weather, yet they adapt and continue to thrive. This resilience is clearly portrayed through the narrative.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of resilience in overcoming personal challenges or setbacks, inspiring them to persist despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: The book shows how each ant's efforts are vital for the survival of their entire community, stressing the value of each individual’s contribution.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that their actions can impact the larger community and highlights the importance of being an active, contributing member of society.