Wildfires! (21st Century Basic Skills Library: Natural Disasters)
21st Century Basic Skills Library: Natural Disasters Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
This educational book introduces young readers to the devastating natural disaster that is a wildfire. It explains what wildfires are, how they start, why they are so dangerous, and the effects they have on the environment.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways that wildfires can start, and how can people help prevent them?
How do you think animals and plants are affected by wildfires?
What are some of the things that firefighters and emergency teams do to help during a wildfire?
Can you think of any ways the community can help each other recover after a wildfire?
What have you learned about staying safe if there’s a wildfire nearby?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the topics covered in the book. Use visual aids, like maps or diagrams, to help explain how wildfires spread and are managed. Relate the discussion back to personal safety and community responsibility to deepen the understanding of the book’s themes. Reinforce the learning by watching educational videos or visiting websites that demonstrate wildfire prevention and management. Validate their concerns and answer their questions honestly, while ensuring them of the safety measures in place to protect them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of natural disasters
Explanation: The book educates children on the causes and effects of wildfires, detailing how they occur and the damage they can cause to ecosystems and human life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of environmental conservation and safety measures to protect themselves and their community from wildfires.
Example Lesson: The importance of emergency preparedness
Explanation: Through the discussion of wildfires, the book highlights the need for having emergency plans and being prepared for natural disasters.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in creating family emergency plans and understand the significance of emergency kits, helping them feel more secure and responsible.
Example Lesson: Human responsibility towards nature
Explanation: The book touches on how human activities can exacerbate the frequency and intensity of wildfires, emphasizing our responsibility to the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can become more conscious of their daily actions, like disposing of waste properly or being cautious with fire during camping trips, to minimize their impact on nature.
Example Lesson: Teamwork during crises
Explanation: The story showcases how communities come together to fight wildfires and support each other during times of crisis.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of cooperation and helping others during emergencies, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Resilience and recovery after disasters
Explanation: The book details the regeneration of nature and communities post-wildfires, demonstrating resilience and the ability to recover from hardships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the power of resilience and hope, understanding that recovery is possible after loss and adversity, which can be applicable in overcoming personal challenges.