What Keeps Them Warm? Level 21-22

What Keeps Them Warm? begins with the thought-provoking question, œAnimals don't wear clothes, and leads readers on an informative journey exploring how different animals stay warm. This expository text uses a narrative structure that evolves from a single question, enhanced by bold key vocabulary, varied text size, and the inclusion of extra factual text blocks. Multiple photographic images per page enrich the learning experience by showing real-life examples. The repetitive phrase œSome animals¦ supports fluency, while high-frequency words and domain-specific vocabulary help extend language skills. This reader is ideal for developing comprehension strategies, such as rereading for clarity and identifying main ideas, and is perfectly suited for readers working at Gold level.

Educational Benefits

• Enhances understanding of expository text structures and features
• Develops vocabulary and scientific knowledge of animal adaptations
• Supports fluency through repetition and visual scaffolding
• Encourages comprehension monitoring and clarification strategies

Classroom Ideas

• Have students research and present how their favourite animal stays warm
• Use images to sort animals by their method of insulation (fur, feathers, blubber, etc.)
• Create a mini-book modelled on the text format, focused on a different adaptation
• Discuss and compare how humans and animals stay warm

Information

• Ages: 7-8
• Reading Level: 21-22 (Gold)
• Book type: Expository non-fiction
• Key themes: Animals, Birds and Insects, Science and Technology