The Solar Eclipse is Coming
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
This children's book explores the wonders of creation, highlighting the amazing phenomena that occur in the sky and on earth during the day and night. The story also educates children about the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, which will travel through Texas and up to Maine along the 'path of totality'.
Age
3-7
Length
35 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think happens during a solar eclipse?
How do you think the animals and plants react when it gets dark during the eclipse?
Why is it important to wear special glasses to watch a solar eclipse?
Can you imagine how people from different parts of the world view and interpret a solar eclipse?
How would you feel if you experienced a solar eclipse? What would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Enhance understanding by asking your child to draw a sequence of what happens during a solar eclipse before and after reading the book.
Encourage empathy by discussing how different characters in the book might feel during the eclipse and why.
Prior to reading, share personal experiences or a family story related to a solar eclipse to make the reading experience more relatable.
Post-reading, engage in a simple science experiment or craft that simulates a solar eclipse to reinforce learning through hands-on activity.
Use the opportunity to connect the concept of a solar eclipse with themes of change, cycles, and natural phenomena to broaden the educational value.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The story follows a group of young children as they prepare for and experience a solar eclipse. Their journey is filled with questions and discoveries about the celestial event.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek answers about natural phenomena and scientific events, enhancing their understanding and sparking a love for learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to create viewing instruments and safe ways to watch the eclipse, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of working with others to achieve common goals, which is applicable in school projects, sports, and other group activities.
Example Lesson: Preparation and safety
Explanation: The story includes critical steps the characters take to prepare for viewing the solar eclipse safely, emphasizing the necessity of proper precautions for eye safety.
Real-World Application: Instills the importance of preparation and safety measures in children, applicable in various aspects of life such as crossing the street, interacting with strangers, or participating in physical activities.
Example Lesson: Embracing new experiences
Explanation: As the characters experience the solar eclipse, they exhibit a range of emotions from fear to excitement, showing how new experiences can be approached with an open mind.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be open to new experiences and face them with courage and enthusiasm, which aids their social and emotional development.