The Weather Spider Level 17-18

In The Weather Spider, readers meet a community that relies on the instincts of a spider named Hina to predict the weather. Told in a unique question-and-answer style, the narrative explores how some animals may sense environmental changes before humans do. Hina's web-spinning behaviour signals approaching storms, and the children know to heed her warnings. The interplay between poetic language, such as alliteration and repetition, and shifting narrative voices encourages engagement and deeper understanding of literary devices. This gentle yet captivating story invites readers to explore the concept of animal instinct, cultural knowledge, and the importance of being attuned to nature's signs.

Educational Benefits:

• Builds awareness of non-human ways of sensing weather changes.
• Supports comprehension through multiple text styles and voices.
• Encourages understanding of poetic devices and their effects.
• Develops questioning and prediction skills in reading.

Classroom Ideas:

• Research other animals known for weather prediction behaviours.
• Create weather journals to compare forecasts with observations.
• Rewrite the story in prose form.
• Explore onomatopoeia and poetic devices in creative writing activities.

Safety & Information:

• Suitable for ages 7+
• Book size: 200mm x 210mm
• Softcover, 24 pages
• No small parts or hazardous materials