True-Life Treasure Hunts (Step-Into-Reading, Step 5)
Step into reading. A step 1 book Series
What’s inside...
Describes several successful searches for lost treasure, including discoveries of sunken Spanish ships off the coast of Florida, the sacred well of the Mayas in Yucatan, and the Lost Dutchman Mine in Arizona.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you discovered a hidden treasure? How would you feel?
Which treasure hunt from the book did you find most exciting and why?
What qualities do you think a good treasure hunter needs to have? Do you have any of those qualities?
If you could hide a treasure for someone else to find, what would it be and where would you hide it?
How did the treasure hunters in the book work together to solve clues? Why is teamwork important in such adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own thoughts on the idea of a treasure hunt to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Use visual aids from the book such as maps or illustrations to pinpoint details and discuss the contexts that might not be immediately clear.
Encourage the child to imagine their own treasure hunt and describe it, fostering creativity and connection to the book’s themes.
Discuss the moral and ethical considerations the treasure hunters might have faced, guiding the child to think about the responsibilities that come with finding hidden treasures.
Connect the stories to real-world geography by looking at a map together and locating where various treasure hunts have occurred globally.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and determination
Explanation: The book showcases various adventurers who relentlessly pursue hidden treasures against all odds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through challenges, whether in completing a difficult school project or mastering a new skill.
Example Lesson: Historical knowledge
Explanation: Readers are introduced to different eras and cultures through the real-life historical contexts of the treasure hunts.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children develop a broader understanding of the world and can spark interest in learning more about history and geography.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Characters in the book use clues and solve puzzles to find treasures, demonstrating key analytical skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in academics and daily life, such as figuring out how to fix a broken toy or resolve a conflict with a friend.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Many treasure hunts in the book require cooperation among various characters, showcasing the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: This lesson is useful for group activities in school, sports, and family projects where joint effort is necessary.
Example Lesson: Respect for history and archaeological ethics
Explanation: The treasure hunters in the book often discuss the significance of the artifacts and the ethics of treasure hunting.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of respecting historical artifacts and cultural heritage, fostering a sense of responsibility and ethical awareness.