WHAT ANIMALS SAY
#3 in Dominie Readers Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Supports phonemic awareness and phonics instruction, builds fluency and vocabulary, and develops text comprehension skills.
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like if you could talk to animals? Which animal would you speak to first and why?
How do the different animals communicate in the book? Can you think of ways animals communicate without words in real life?
Why do you think understanding each other is important, whether it's between people or animals?
What was your favorite part about how the animals communicated? Did any animal's way of communicating surprise you?
If you could create a new animal, what sounds or signals would it use to say 'hello' and 'goodbye'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: When talking with your child about 'What Animals Say,' try mimicking the sounds or gestures of the animals as depicted in the book. It will make the reading experience more immersive and fun.
Relate to real life: Ask your child about the ways they communicate their feelings and thoughts, and relate those to how animals might communicate in their own way.
Encourage curiosity: If your child shows interest in a particular animal, use this opportunity to explore more about it through books, documentaries, or even a visit to the zoo.
Create a dialogue: Encourage your child to imagine what a conversation between two different animals might look like. You can act out these roles together, which promotes creative thinking and empathy.
Draw connections: Link the communication methods in the animals to those of people, emphasizing empathy and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: In 'What Animals Say,' various animals communicate in their unique ways, illustrating the diversity of communication styles in nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and understand different forms of expression among their peers, fostering empathy and better communication skills.
Example Lesson: Valuing diversity
Explanation: The book features a wide range of animals from different habitats, showcasing the beauty of biodiversity and the importance of every species.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to respect and celebrate differences among people in their community, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Learning animal behaviors
Explanation: Each animal character in the book behaves according to its natural instincts and characteristics, providing educational insights into wildlife.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge on nature trips, in science classes, or while watching documentaries, enhancing their understanding and curiosity about the animal kingdom.
Example Lesson: The role of teamwork
Explanation: The story shows animals interacting and sometimes working together, highlighting the value of cooperation.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of teamwork in family activities, school projects, and sports, emphasizing that collective efforts often achieve greater results.
Example Lesson: Curiosity in learning
Explanation: The book presents information about animals in an engaging way, sparking curiosity and encouraging further exploration.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore more books, engage in discussions, and ask thoughtful questions in their day-to-day learning environments.