The Planets for Kids: The English Reading Tree
English Reading Tree Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
The 'For Kids' series, including 'The Planets for Kids', is designed for children aged seven and over to transition from picture books to more challenging reading material. Each book in the series provides an exciting story that enhances reading confidence and introduces an active and motivating vocabulary. The books, which are a crossover between picture books and chapter books, encourage children to focus on words and their meanings, supported by some images. The series requires parental involvement for maximum benefit and includes a fun quiz to assess learning progress. The fast-paced nature of the books keeps children engaged while educating and entertaining them.
Why read this book
- Visual journey through the solar system.
- Enhances vocabulary with planetary facts.
- Encourages curiosity about space and science.
- Ideal for parent-child interactive reading.
The Big Picture
- Fosters curiosity about universe and planets.
- Encourages exploration and continuous learning.
- Expands perspective beyond Earth’s boundaries.
- Promotes scientific thinking and imagination.
What parents love
- Perfect blend of fun facts and engaging storytelling.
- Illustrations are vibrant; keeps my child interested.
- Educational yet simple enough for young children.
- Helps kids understand and remember planets easily.
Diversity & Representation
- Illustrates diverse planets, promoting inclusivity beyond Earth.
- Features varied planetary environments, encouraging broad curiosity.
- Engages with multicultural names for celestial bodies.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-16
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which planet did you find most interesting and why?
How do you think living on another planet would be different from living on Earth?
Can you imagine what a day would be like on Saturn? What would be the biggest change from your daily life?
Why is it important for us to learn about planets and space?
If you could ask an astronaut any question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their answers and encourage them to think deeper by asking follow-up questions.
Connect the discussion to real-life events like space missions in the news or visits to planetariums to make the conversation more relevant.
Use the book’s illustrations or other visual aids to help visualize complex topics like the atmosphere of different planets or space travel.
Create a comfortable reading environment that allows for an open and relaxed discussion about the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the Solar System
Explanation: Keith Goodman's 'The Planets for Kids: The English Reading Tree' educates young readers about the different planets in our solar system, their unique characteristics, and their positions relative to the sun.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children grasp basic astronomy concepts, fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder about the universe. It can encourage them to explore more about planetary science and other related fields as they grow.
Example Lesson: Importance of Scientific Learning
Explanation: The book presents factual information in an engaging way that is accessible for children. This approach helps instill a love for science from an early age.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value scientific inquiry and critical thinking. This can lead to better problem-solving skills and a keen interest in learning how the world works, which is applicable in educational settings and beyond.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: By learning about planets and their environments, children can draw parallels to Earth and understand the importance of taking care of our planet.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of environmental conservation and can inspire them to participate in activities like recycling, conservation, and other eco-friendly practices.
Example Lesson: Reading and Comprehension Skills
Explanation: The book is designed to improve English reading and comprehension skills among young readers through clear and concise language.
Real-World Application: Enhanced reading skills lead to better academic performance and effective communication. Children can apply these skills in school, making learning other subjects easier and more enjoyable.