Tales with Tails : Storytelling the Wonders of the Natural World

This book shows how to use the power of story to teach children about our natural environment.

A collection of tales from around the world, it helps to convey key scientific concepts, such as adaptations, habitat, biodiversity, and interdependence; and to instil in children such values as conservation, cooperation, sustainability, and empathy, encouraging them to become responsible stewards of the earth.

The book presents more than 60 ready-to-tell stories about wolves, foxes, squirrels, birds, insects, the wind, and more; plus dozens of extension activities to use with the stories, or as part of educational programmes focused on plants, animals, and the environment.

Thorough instructions for the novice storyteller are included, as are background on and guidelines for teaching ecological concepts.

Users will also learn how to create their own stories using environmental concepts, values, proverbs, and quotes.

In addition, the book includes an extensive bibliography of stories to use in teaching about the natural world. Whether used in environmental programmes in the library or in after-school programmes, to enhance science units, or in nature centres and zoos, this is a valuable guide for librarians, teachers, storytellers, and other educators.

Activities are coded for grade levels, with an emphasis on younger children, but most are adaptable to other levels.