Polar Bears By Sandra Markle

Brief Overview:
Within this nonfiction book, children can explore the world of polar bears. Discover where polar bears live, what they eat, how they hunt, physical characteristics, and many other interesting facts! This book could be utilized by teachers to provide examples of predators and prey for students.

Teaching Strategies:

Key Vocabulary:
Arctic
Environment
Predator
Prey

Before Reading: Word walls are a great way of displaying new key vocabulary. Go over the new vocabulary provided on the word wall so the students are aware of the word meanings as they come across them in the novel. The book also reviews the definitions for the students as well at the beginning of the novel. The teacher can guide a book walk so the children can read the title, see pictures, and brainstorm and discuss what they already know about polar bears.

During Reading: As students read throughout the book on polar bears, they can take notes about predators and their prey, specifically using examples on polar bears from the book. As students learn about predator and prey, they can construct a concept map from the notes they have written.

After Reading: After students read the book, the children can display their knowledge of predator and prey by looking up another animal of their choice that is a predator and what they prey on. Students will then write how their new animal is also a predator, the enviorment they live in, the food they eat, and any facts the students find interesting. Using these two animals, they can list what makes an animal a predator and a prey.

Extra Resources:
http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/polar-bears/bear-essentials-polar-style
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/creaturefeature/polar-bear/

Markle, Sandra. Polar Bears (Animal Predators). New York: First Avenue Editions, 2004.

Children's Choice 2005.