Walking with Wolves (Wild Lives)
#1 of 3 in Surviving the Wild Series
What’s inside...
Read Willow's diary for some savage wolf secrets. Meet Scrappy the teenage wolf and get mixed up in the mischief as he heads for big trouble. Relive the drama, dangers and disgusting details as you find out why wolves roll in rotten fish, if wolves really have babysitters, why wolves have webbed feet and how to howl like a wolf.
Discussion points
What do you think makes wolves special compared to other animals we've read about?
How do wolves work together in a pack? Can you compare that to how our family or friends work together?
What are some challenges wolves face in the wild, and how do they overcome them?
Why is the balance of nature important, and how do wolves contribute to it?
If you were a wolf, what role would you choose within your pack? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, build anticipation by asking your child what they might already know or might expect to learn about wolves.
While reading, pause at dramatic or emotional moments to explore your child's feelings about the events.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by relating the wolves’ experiences to their own life experiences.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture or write a short story about a day in the life of a wolf, using insights gained from the book.
Use the book as an opportunity to teach values like teamwork and resilience, drawing parallels between the wolves' behaviors and everyday human interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through close observation of the wolf packs' behaviors and relationships, children learn the value of empathy by seeing the world from the perspective of wolves.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by showing empathy towards classmates and family members, recognizing that everyone has feelings and perspectives that are important.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The book illustrates how wolves work together as a pack to hunt and protect each other, reinforcing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to collaborate with peers in school projects or sports, understanding that cooperation can lead to greater success.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature and Wildlife
Explanation: Following the wolves' lives in their natural habitat highlights the need to respect and preserve environments and ecosystems.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to engage in environmentally friendly practices like recycling and conserving water, and fosters a greater appreciation for wildlife.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book shows how wolves adapt to challenges in their environment, teaching children the skills of flexibility and innovation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be adaptable in their approaches to challenges at school or at home, finding creative solutions to problems.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: As the wolves face natural challenges, the story showcases their courage and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own challenges with bravery and to persevere through difficult times, knowing that resilience can lead to positive outcomes.