I love NatGeo! They have the best books for kids who love nonfiction. If your little one doesn’t like to read or only likes to look at the pictures or will only read nonfiction, National Geographic has something for them. So here’s an idea, why not celebrate the end of summer with a Safari Party starring National Geographic books? Think of it as a bookclub with cake.
First grab these two books.
Hoops to Hippos: True Stories of A Basketball Star on Safari!
This clever book is an easy to read chapter books that chronicles Boris Diaw’s journey to become an NBA player with his love of photographing animals. It’s such a cute book and who doesn’t love the name Boris?
Then add
National Geographic Kids Animal Records
This book has your name written all over it: the grossest, biggest, ugliest, fastest animals are all documented in this gem. The photos are so amazing (and gross) that your kids will return to this book forever! Who knew learning could be this fun?
Then, after you’ve collected these two books, pick some facts from the book, head out to the backyard and set up a safari for your young animal lovers.
Send kids on a scavenger hunt in the back yard. Have them find items that are:
- smooth
- scratchy
- brown
- blue
- wet
- cold
- noisy
- etc, use your imagination!
Kids can either collect these items in a paper bag or (even better) encourage them to draw these items as they find them in their natural habitat. What’s more fun than sitting in the backyard drawing and coloring?
Teach kids how to use binoculars so they can see birds and bugs from far away.
Teach kids how to read a compass. Draw a map and have kids search for treasure (ok this is like a pirate but who doesn’t love pirates)!
Serve plenty of water and have lots of sunscream (as my little one called it) on hand because the jungle is sunny and hot. Also, be sure to discuss how we don’t want to interfere with these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats. This is a great opportunity to talk to them about preservation, conservation, and anything else you think is vital to keeping these gorgy creatures alive.
There’s always room for a teachable moment, right? While you’re at it, why not develop their budding photography skills like Boris did? You might not capture a wild dog like Boris did, but maybe you’ll capture that wild friendly pooch of yours doing something silly?
This is a safari everyone can enjoy and what a way to start back to school, right?