Wild Animals–They’re Closer Than You Think

Do you live in nature? Eighty percent (80%) of Americans who live in urban areas may say “no,” but according to the National Environmental Education Foundation, the answer is actually YES!

“Nature may be a nice place to visit, but we don’t live there. Or do we? . . . Even when we pave it over, nature still surrounds us.” —National Environmental Education Foundation

WILD_COVER2Nature is all around us–even in the city! Help students discover the many animals that live near them with Wild Ones: Observing City Critters.

Wild Ones reminds us that no matter where we live, we share space with animals, and our encounters with them can be awe-inspiring,” says Seth Magle of the Urban Wildlife Institute at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo.

“The main character is Scooter, a dog who wanders away from home. Readers are invited to follow Scooter’s neighborhood travels and use their senses to discover city wildlife.

Scooter uses his eyes, ears, and nose to help detect wildlife around him. On a few occasions he even uses his sense of touch and taste, too!” Read more of this review at the The Branch, the Project Leaning Tree newsletter.

Resources for Teachers and Parents–free downloads

  • Using the illustrations and the additional information in the back of the book, use this lesson to help children identify how each of the animals gets its basic needs met in the city. It meets NGSS and Common Core standards.
  • Learn how to see more animals in your area by following the tips is How to See More City Critters.
  • Discover the “dos” and “don’ts” of interacting with city wildlife in How to Be a Good Neighbor to Wildlife.
  • Make some yummy dog treats at home with Scooter’s favorite recipe. They’re easy to make and, oh, so good!

“This beautiful book teaches that when we wander in the urban ecosystem we are not just observers, but also observed by the many wonderful creatures that surround us every day.” —Lyanda Lynn Haupt, author, The Urban Bestiary

subscribe     Blog by Carol Malnor I love making connections: kids and nature, science and reading, fun and learning. I discovered the joy of connecting Dawn Publications' books with kids when I was a classroom teacher. Dawn's books were easy to incorporate into my lessons and the kids loved them. I used picture books with students of all ages, from primary school all the way up through 9th grade. Over the years, my relationship with Dawn changed and developed, and I authored Dawn’s Teacher’s Guides as well as writing books for children 4-14 years old. ARTICLE How to Use Creative Nonfiction Picture Books in Support of Common Core and Science ACTIVITIES Dawn Publications STANDARDS Common Core State Standards Next Generation Science Standards National Science Teachers Association Picture Perfect Science   OTHER FAVORITES Dawn Publications Children and Nature Network
Sharing Nature Worldwide
Roots and Shoots
Audubon Adventures
Journey North: Citizen Science
Project Learning Tree