The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Mermaids
What’s inside...
On hot summer days, the beaches are bustling with people enjoying the sun and water. However, there are special days when the beach is empty and the atmosphere is magical, perfect for imagining and finding signs of mermaids. Observing objects like sand dollars and twisted reeds can spark the imagination to envision mermaid-sized surfboards or cozy napping spots. By looking closely at the beach and the water, one might even spot a mermaid market. This activity encourages paying close attention to the beach's natural offerings and fosters creativity and wonder.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think mermaids like to do in their free time?
How do you think the mermaid feels when she is exploring the sea?
What would you do if you met a mermaid while tracking her?
What similarities and differences do you see between mermaids and humans?
How do you think the story would change if it took place near our home?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to describe what their own mermaid friend might look like.
Discuss the feelings of the characters in the story, helping your child to develop empathy and emotional understanding.
Relate the tracking adventure in the book to a real-life experience, such as a nature hike or scavenger hunt, to make connections between the story and the real world.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story, enhancing their analytical and predictive skills.
After reading, consider exploring more about marine life and oceanography to extend learning and curiosity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The story encourages children to explore their surroundings and be curious about the natural world as they follow the adventure of tracking mermaids.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by engaging in outdoor activities and observing nature, sparking a lifelong interest in discovering new things.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: By blending reality with fantastical elements like mermaids, the book inspires children to use their imagination and think creatively.
Real-World Application: This fosters creativity which can be applied in problem-solving, storytelling, and artistic expression during playtime and school projects.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: As the characters track mermaids, they pay close attention to small clues and details around them.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop observational skills and attentiveness in their day-to-day life, enhancing their learning abilities and focus.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The quest to track mermaids in the story teaches persistence as the characters continue their exploration despite challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial in teaching children the value of perseverance in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book subtly incorporates themes of respecting and preserving natural environments as the characters explore the beach and sea.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of environmental conservation and are encouraged to take care of their surroundings. This can lead to responsible behavior towards nature and wildlife.