As this is the first official post of my new Web site, I thought a beach theme would be appropriate. This is one of my favorite topics of study–sea turtles. There is much that educators and parents can teach children through stories of survival about these noble creatures whose population is so rapidly dwindling. I hope that these resources will help you “dive in” to topics such as sea turtles, life cycles, endangered species, oceanography, and conservation. I would also like to recommend the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island if you have a chance to visit the beautiful barrier island.
Into the Sea
This is a beautifully illustrated story about the life cycle of a sea turtle. The story follows a sea turtle from the moment it hatches from an egg until it returns to the same sandy beach as an adult to lay eggs of its own. It includes a look at some of the dangers that sea turtles face (including a close encounter with a fishing net), as well as encounters with other sea creatures. Various ecosystems are spotlighted–a moonlit sandy beach, a tropical coral reef, and the open ocean. It includes information about the dwindling sea turtle population and ways that people are working to save sea turtles. The illustrator, Alix Berensky, provides the reader with a magical look at undersea life through the use of vibrant colors with perfectly executed colored-pencil and gouache illustrations. While this book is perfect as a read-aloud for younger readers, it will also delight independent readers. ATOS Reading Level (AR): 4.8
Other Recommended Titles Include:
One Tiny Turtle
This is the story of a tiny loggerhead sea turtle who swims out to sea, then returns after a few years to the beach where she was born to lay her eggs before returning to the sea. Includes many facts about sea turtles. ATOS Reading Level (AR): 4.1
Sea Turtles of the World
This book includes an introduction to the physical characteristics and behavior of sea turtles, featuring information on the eight recognized species of sea turtles and a section on efforts to conserve the endangered animals. It is perfect for student reports with easy-to-read text and over 50 full-color photographs.
Sea Turtles
This book describes eight kinds of sea turtles, their physical characteristics, senses, how they feed, migrate, and nest, and what is being done to protect them. It has soft watercolor-and-ink illustrations and general information that would be perfect for beginning readers or as a general introduction to sea turtles. ATOS Reading Level (AR): 4.1
Recommended Web Resources with Connecting Activities:
Art Lesson Plan: Underwater Sea Turtles -Water Color – Resist
Education World ® - Lesson Planning: Tracking Sea Turtles
Marine Discovery Lesson Plan (includes downloadable Powerpoint Presentation and M&M’s)
Sea Turtles: The Kids’ Times – Office of Protected Resources