i-SPY In the Garden: Spy it! Score it!
Collins Michelin i-SPY Guides Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
This engaging book offers children the opportunity to learn about the natural world while participating in a spy game. As they spot different objects in a garden setting, they earn points and learn interesting facts about each item. The book is pocket-sized and packed with facts, photos, and fantastic spots for hours of fun. Kids can collect points by finding more than 140 things in the garden, from trees and shrubs to insects and garden birds. Once they score 1000 points, they can claim their official i-SPY certificate and badge. With more than 30 i-SPY books to collect, the series offers something for everyone and encourages even more fun outdoors.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite plant or animal you spotted in the garden, and why?
How do you think the garden changes with each season?
Can you think of any ways we can help take care of the plants and animals in our own garden?
If you were a bug, which part of the garden would you want to live in?
What new thing did you learn about the garden or its inhabitants from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child's curiosity by asking them to describe the different colors, shapes, and sizes of the plants and animals they see in the book. Reinforce learning by relating book content to real-life objects in your own garden or a nearby park, helping to solidify their understanding and observation skills. Share your own thoughts and enthusiasm about nature to make the experience enjoyable and engaging for both of you.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: The book engages children in a fun and interactive way by encouraging them to spot various objects typically found in a garden setting.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these observational skills in their daily lives by becoming more aware of their surroundings and noticing details they might have previously overlooked.
Example Lesson: Interest in Nature
Explanation: As children search for different plants and animals in the book, they naturally develop a curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.
Real-World Application: This interest can lead to outdoor activities such as gardening, bird watching, or nature walks, fostering a lifelong connection with the environment.
Example Lesson: Concentration and Focus
Explanation: The task of finding specific items requires children to concentrate and pay close attention, enhancing their focus.
Real-World Application: Improved concentration and focus can aid in academic settings, enabling children to pay better attention in class and while doing homework.
Example Lesson: Categorization Skills
Explanation: By grouping similar objects as they spy them, children practice sorting and organizing, which are key cognitive development skills.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children in everyday situations such as organizing their toys, sorting their clothes, or even grouping foods in their lunch.