Silkworms (Lerner Natural Science)
on Goodreads (57)
What’s inside...
An introduction to the domesticated silkworm moth, raised on farms in Japan and elsewhere for the sake of the silk thread out of which its cocoons are constructed.
Why read this book
- Engages children with fascinating silkworm lifecycle details.
- Enhances understanding of natural science concepts.
- Encourages curiosity and exploration in young readers.
- Beautiful visuals complement engaging educational content.
Age
9-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about how silkworms transform into silk moths?
Can you explain why silkworms are important in nature and to humans?
How do you think the life cycle of a silkworm compares to other insects you know?
What would you do if you had the chance to raise silkworms? How would you take care of them?
Why do you think silk is so valuable and what are other uses of silk you can think of?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and relate them to their personal experiences or prior knowledge about insects.
Ask your child to draw the life cycle of a silkworm and discuss each stage with them, enhancing their understanding and retention.
Prompt your child to think critically by asking what would happen if silkworms didn't exist.
Read together and pause at interesting facts to discuss the ecological and economical impacts of silkworms.
After reading, watch a short video or find additional pictures of silkworms and silk production to deepen the learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: The book details the life cycle of a silkworm and shows the slow, meticulous process they undergo to transform into moths.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the value of patience and perseverance in achieving long-term goals, mirroring the silkworm’s developmental stages.
Example Lesson: Importance of the Environment
Explanation: Readers learn about the specific conditions silkworms need to thrive, emphasizing how delicate their survival is based on their surroundings.
Real-World Application: This instills an understanding of the importance of taking care of one's environment and can encourage children to participate in sustainable practices.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Through engaging factual content about silkworms, the book nurtures a child’s curiosity about the natural world and scientific principles.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions and seek out learning opportunities about the world around them, fostering a lifelong love for science and exploration.
Example Lesson: Interdependence of Species
Explanation: The book illustrates the role silkworms play in the ecosystem and their relationship with humans, particularly in the silk industry.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children about the interconnectedness of species and the impact of human activities on other organisms.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Silkworms face various natural and artificial challenges during their life cycle which are explored in the book.
Real-World Application: Children learn about resilience and adapting to changing circumstances, equipping them to face personal challenges in their lives.