Rainforests: An Activity Guide for Ages 6-9 [Paperback]

Nancy F. Castaldo (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

This title is intended for ages 6 to 9 years. North America boasts a surprising number of rainforests, including El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico, Olympic National Forest in Washington State, Chugah and Tongass National Forests in Alaska, and the forests in Hawaii, which are home to an enormous variety of plants and animals. "Rainforests: An Activity Guide" takes kids through the common layers of the rainforest, from the forest floor to above the enclosed canopy. Their journey continues through the different types of rainforests as they are introduced to plants, animals, and people around the world, including those from the temperate rainforests of North America to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. Rainforest-inspired activities include making a West African yam festival gourd rattle, building a model of an Alaskan totem pole, and creating a Javanese Wayang-kuilt, or shadow puppet. Kids are encouraged to make a difference and become active supporters of the rainforests no matter where they live.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-6-A potpourri of resources and activity ideas. After several chapters devoted to the different layers of the tropical forest, Castaldo takes readers on a round-the-world tour, including a visit to the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. She includes some folktales among the sections of information on plants, animals, and cultures. The activities are varied and interesting, ranging from science projects to crafts to recipes. Many require adult assistance. Black-and-white drawings break up the blocks of text. The book would serve as a valuable resource for adults working with elementary students, but the subtitle and introduction suggest that it can be read independently by young children. However, the vocabulary and complex sentences may be daunting for beginning readers. Books, videos, and Web sites listed as additional resources for each chapter include materials ranging from picture books to adult nonfiction and Web sites from conservation organizations to commercial enterprises.
Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Castaldo uses easy experiments, art projects, and group activities to bring the information to life." -- Booklist on Oceans: An Activity Guide for Ages 6-9

"Lets students explore what makes this endangered environment unique and worth protecting." -- Learning

"The author’s passion for rainforests is contagious." -- Science Books & Films

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press; 1 edition (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556524765
• ISBN-13: 978-1556524769
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 9.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #412,981 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #91 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Forests & Trees

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Walk on the Wild Side, September 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Rainforests: An Activity Guide for Ages 6-9 (Paperback)

A perfect follow-up to Castaldo's book on oceans. Rainforests introduces readers to tropical and temperate rain forests around the world. Activities range from making a fern-print T-shirt to planting a butterfly garden. The closing "Don't Bungle the Jungle" chapter gives kids great ways that they can help save the forests. A wonderful addition to any classroom library.