The Whale Shark
The Underwater world of sharks Series
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
Introduces the physical characteristics, behavior, habitat, and life cycle of the whale shark.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to swim like a whale shark?
Why do you think the whale shark behaved the way it did in the story?
How do you think the other sea creatures felt about the whale shark?
What can we learn from the whale shark's journey in the book?
If you were a whale shark, what would you do differently in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize the underwater world by asking them to describe the colors and shapes they imagine.
Use expressive reading styles to mimic the calm or exciting moments in the story to make the narrative come alive.
Prompt your child to relate the whale shark’s experiences to their own, discussing themes of friendship, adventure, and understanding.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, then discuss why they chose that particular element.
Enhance comprehension by periodically pausing during reading to ask your child to predict what might happen next and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Whale Shark,' the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with the struggles of the whale shark, despite their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by considering others' feelings and perspectives, fostering better relationships and social understanding.
Example Lesson: Importance of Conservation
Explanation: The story highlights the need for marine conservation through the journey of the whale shark, emphasizing how every creature has a vital role in the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be mindful of their environmental impact and be proactive in activities like recycling, and participating in local cleanup projects.
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Fears
Explanation: The young characters in the book demonstrate courage when they overcome their fears to help the whale shark, teaching children the value of bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace challenges, whether trying new activities or standing up for what they believe in, cultivating resilience and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Collaboration is showcased when characters work together to aid the whale shark, highlighting that teamwork can achieve goals that might be impossible alone.
Real-World Application: This teaches kids the importance of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or in sports, enhancing their problem-solving skills and ability to work with diverse groups.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The book encourages a sense of curiosity about marine life and the natural world, as the characters explore and learn about the ocean.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their interests and seek knowledge actively, which can be applied in academic settings or personal hobbies.