The Turning of the Year
What’s inside...
Sledding, splashing, catching fireflies, picking pumpkins--from January to December, each month brings a new adventure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What changes did you notice about the seasons in the book? How do they compare to the seasons we experience?
Which month in 'The Turning of the Year' would you love to visit and why?
How do the people and animals in the book react to the changing seasons?
What activities would you like to try from the book during each season?
Why do you think the author chose to focus on the cycle of the year? What is important about it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences with seasonal changes to those depicted in the book. After discussing each question, follow up with prompts like 'Can you think of a time when you...?' or 'Why do you feel that way?' to dive deeper into their thoughts and feelings. Use this as an opportunity to teach them about the natural world and the importance of time and changes. Share your own seasonal memories and stories to make the conversation more vivid and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the cycle of seasons
Explanation: The book uses poetic language and vivid illustrations to depict the changes that occur in nature through the seasons.
Real-World Application: Children can observe and discuss seasonal changes around them, enhancing their observational skills and understanding of nature.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the beauty of nature
Explanation: Through engaging visuals and rhythmic text, the book encourages admiration for the natural world.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to spend more time outdoors, exploring and respecting their natural environment.
Example Lesson: Learning the sequence of events
Explanation: The narrative follows a specific order that showcases the progression of time from one season to another.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop their understanding of time, sequence, and chronology, important aspects in cognitive development.