The River
Bellamy's Changing World Series
What’s inside...
Renowned conservationist David Bellamy takes us through the four seasons, explaining about a whole variety of creatures and plants, and what happens when man threatens to destroy them.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
22 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience as we read about the journey along the river?
What changes did you notice in the river as the story progressed?
Can you imagine another adventure that might take place along this river? What would it be like?
How do you think the river feels about the animals and plants that depend on it?
What can we do to help protect rivers like the one in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the sights, sounds, and smells described in the book. Ask them to close their eyes and picture being beside the river.
Discuss the importance of rivers to ecosystems and human communities. Use examples from the book to highlight specific benefits.
After reading, take a walk near a local river or stream. Make real-world connections by comparing it to the river in the book.
Create a drawing session where your child can illustrate their favorite scene or create a new adventure along the river.
Ask your child to explain their answers in their own words, and share your thoughts and feelings about the river to deepen the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: In 'The River', the vibrant depiction of the river's ecosystem illustrates the interdependence among various organisms. This promotes awareness of how vital it is to maintain the natural balance.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in activities like recycling, conserving water, and participating in community clean-ups to protect and respect their local environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey along the river is filled with discoveries and new experiences, which highlight the joy and value of exploring the unknown.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to be inquisitive about the world around them, fostering a love for learning and discovery through travel, reading, or engaging with nature.
Example Lesson: The impact of human actions on the environment
Explanation: The story subtly introduces the effects of pollution and human waste on the river, prompting a reflective thought process about human responsibility towards nature.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by becoming more aware of their environmental footprint, advocating for sustainable practices in their communities, and making environmentally friendly choices.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Characters in the book often work together to navigate challenges and solve problems encountered along the river, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be reflected in a child's life through group activities such as team sports, group projects, and cooperative games that require working together to achieve a common goal.