nonfiction Archives - Page 633 of 658

Wetland Food Chains
by Rebecca Pettiford (Author)

For Earth Day today, explore the wetland biome and the food chains it supports in this beginning reader with short chapters.

#kidlit Writing Lesson: the small details

In chapter one, wetlands are introduced:

Some wetlands are big. They can cover millions of acres. Others are small. And wetlands are not always wet. Some wetlands can be dry in the summer.

First the size is explained:

Some wetlands are big. They can cover millions of acres. Others are small.

Then an unusual fact is introduced:

And wetlands are not always wet. Some wetlands can be dry in the summer.

The facts about this biome appear to be opposites, so they are explained together in short simple sentences for beginning readers.

It’s STEM Friday! (STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Art For All Seasons: 40 Creative Mixed Media Adventures for Children Inspired by Nature and Contemporary Artists
by Susan Schwake (Author) and Rainer Schwake (Photographer)

Booktalk: The BIG Picture

A well-thought-out handbook of nature-inspired art adventures that can be explored over and over with different results each time. Perfect for parents, teachers, grandparents or anyone working with children making art! The nature-based lessons are beautifully illustrated with more than 400 full-color photographs of the process and additional inspirational images of contemporary artists’ work. Included is information on how to set up a simple home studio, a comprehensive list of materials, how to display and save kid’s art work and ideas surrounding making art with others.

#kidlit Writing Lesson: the small details

The GET READY! section introduces the Rainbow Shapes lesson on page 24:

Sitting at a window watching Spring rain fall in droplets in a fascinating way to pass the time. Each drop is formed in the air and when it hits the ground, the shape changes completely. You can capture this experience with a watercolor brush and watercolor paints on paper to “save for a sunny day.”

Nature’s inspiration is mentioned first:

Sitting at a window watching Spring rain fall in droplets in a fascinating way to pass the time.

Then the science is explained:

Each drop is formed in the air and when it hits the ground, the shape changes completely.

The paragraph ends with the art adventure:

You can capture this experience with a watercolor brush and watercolor paints on paper to “save for a sunny day.”

The promise made in the book title, Art For All Seasons, is clearly conveyed in the text.

It’s Nonfiction Monday!