This Place Is Lonely: The Australian Outback (Imagine Living Here)
Imagine Living Here Series
What’s inside...
Presents Australia as a possible place to live, mentioning that though you may 'go to school' by radio, it has other good features.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would it be like to live in the Australian Outback compared to where we live?
Can you imagine how the people and animals in the Outback feel during different seasons?
What are some ways that children in the Outback might play or go to school differently than you?
Why do you think it's important to learn about different places like the Australian Outback?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize the scenes described in the book by asking them to describe what they imagine. Use comparisons to their daily life to help them relate to the content. Discuss the importance of different environments and cultures to foster empathy and curiosity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: The book showcases the harsh environment of the Australian Outback and how the people and animals living there adapt and survive.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of perseverance and adaptability in difficult situations, whether it's solving a tough problem at school or adjusting to a new environment.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diverse ecosystems
Explanation: Through vivid imagery and descriptions, the story illustrates the unique flora and fauna of the Outback, highlighting its importance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to respect and value different natural environments, promoting eco-friendly behaviors like recycling and conservation.
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting different cultures
Explanation: The narrative includes elements of Aboriginal culture, providing insights into their traditions and connection to the land.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the significance of cultural diversity and empathy, fostering better social interactions and cultural awareness in their community.
Example Lesson: Importance of community cooperation
Explanation: The story portrays how residents in remote Outback communities rely on each other for support and survival.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of helping and working together with others to overcome common challenges.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and innovation
Explanation: Characters in the book come up with creative solutions to cope with the scarce resources available in the Outback.
Real-World Application: It instills a mindset of innovation in children, encouraging them to think creatively to solve problems using limited resources.