Wonders of the Ocean
Questions & Answers S. Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
An exciting way to get to know some of the unusual and fascinating behaviour patterns and characteristics of southern Africa's plentiful sea-life. Explore intriguing questions such as why seawater is salty, what a mermaid's purse is, whether some fish can fly, if there are ghosts on beaches, why waves sometimes sparkle at night, and what the sardine run is.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was the most fascinating sea creature you learned about in 'Wonders of the Ocean'? Why did it capture your interest?
How do you think the ocean affects our life on land? Can you think of ways we can help protect the ocean?
If you could explore any part of the ocean, which part would it be and what do you hope to discover?
What similarities and differences do you notice between the ocean environment and where we live?
How do you feel about the importance of preserving marine life after reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about the ocean and what they expect to learn. This sets the stage for curiosity and attention.
While reading, pause to discuss the illustrations and facts, connecting them to the child's prior knowledge or personal experiences.
Encourage your child to draw or describe their favorite sea creature or ocean scene from the book. This can deepen their connection and understanding.
Post-reading, relate the content to daily life, such as discussing how weather patterns or seafood meals are connected to the ocean.
Ask reflective questions like the ones provided, and share your own thoughts too, to model engagement and in-depth thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for marine life
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations and engaging narratives, 'Wonders of the Ocean' teaches children about the diversity and importance of marine life in our ecosystems.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in local beach clean-ups and advocating for policies that protect ocean habitats.
Example Lesson: Importance of conservation
Explanation: The book highlights the fragility of ocean ecosystems and the human activities that threaten them, educating children on the need for conservation efforts.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice recycling, reducing plastic usage, and learning more about sustainable practices to protect the environment.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: Mike Bruton's book fuels curiosity through the exploration of unknown depths of the ocean and the mysterious creatures that inhabit it.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore more through books, documentaries, and engaging in STEM activities that focus on marine biology and environmental science.
Example Lesson: Interconnectedness of ecosystems
Explanation: The book explains how ocean health directly affects global ecosystems, illustrating the interconnected nature of our planet.
Real-World Application: This can lead children to understand how their actions impact the environment globally, promoting a sense of global stewardship.