Petting Zoo (Scholastic Discover More Reader, Level 1)
Scholastic Reader Level 3 Series
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
A level 1 reader in the Scholastic Discover More program. Meet the most adorable animals--and pet them! This book includes cute and intriguing information about sheep, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even miniature ponies. Remember to wash your hands when you're done! A free downloadable digital book features fun text-based questions and activities, plus audio and video enhancements. Vetted by an editorial board including Common Core Standards experts.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is your favorite animal at the petting zoo and why do you like it?
How do you think taking care of a pet helps us learn about responsibility?
Can you imagine what a day in the life of your favorite zoo animal looks like?
What are some ways we can show kindness to animals?
If you could ask any animal in the petting zoo a question, what would you ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the animals using descriptive words, enhancing their vocabulary and emotional identification.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to keep the conversation flowing and show genuine interest in their thoughts.
Relate the animals in the book to real-life experiences like visiting a zoo, or if you have pets, discuss the similarities and differences.
Discuss the importance of caring for animals and the responsibilities involved, linking it to lessons on empathy and nurturing.
Use the book’s pictures to engage younger children, asking them to identify colors, count the animals, or mimic the sounds they make.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Animals
Explanation: The book illustrates how children interact gently and kindly with different animals at a petting zoo, emphasizing soft touches and considerate behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons in real-life situations, learning to treat pets and other animals they encounter with care and respect, fostering empathy and compassionate behavior.
Example Lesson: Learning Responsibility
Explanation: The narrative highlights the roles of zookeepers and how they take care of the animals, feeding and cleaning them.
Real-World Application: This facet of the book can teach children the importance of responsibility. They can help with pets at home or tasks around the house, understanding how their actions contribute to the wellbeing of others.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be inquisitive in daily life, whether at school or during outings, fostering a lifelong love of learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Value of Experiential Learning
Explanation: The book showcases children learning through direct interaction with animals, rather than just reading about them or seeing pictures.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage parents and educators to provide hands-on learning experiences, helping children to engage more deeply with topics and retain information better.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: As children interact with a variety of animals, they develop an appreciation for the diversity and beauty of the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can lead to children valuing nature and perhaps participating in outdoor activities, conservation efforts, and adopting environmentally friendly habits.