Four Seasons Make a Year

The book does show the process of the growth of crops. It tells what seasons are appropriate to plant in, pick in, sell in, and to let the ground rest. We are told the actions that need to be taken and the time frame they need to be taken in.

• Author: Anne Rockwell
• Illustrator: Megan Halsey
• Year Published: 2004
• ISBN: 9780802788832

Science Topics

• Earth Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

This book shows how the different seasons come and go while interacting with one another. Connections can be made by individuals that have spent time in the northern hemisphere through the illustrations, and story. While explaining the seasons the audience is also realistically learning about different crops and flowers that are grown on the farm. This book tells about the changing seasons and the relationships they have, resulting in the formation of nature.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: Medium
• Accuracy: Medium
• Liteary Artistry: Medium
• Appearance: Medium

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book does show the process of the growth of crops. It tells what seasons are appropriate to plant in, pick in, sell in, and to let the ground rest. We are told the actions that need to be taken and the time frame they need to be taken in.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

There are plenty of stopping places in the book since it is organized into neat sections. During this time students can think about the questions they have in their head, make predictions over what will happen next, and answer any of their previous questions. As long as the teacher provides the opportunity for them to really think they will be able to ask questions and answer them.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book gives examples that the students can build off of. Students were told that they can build a snow man in winter, then they can think over other activities that have to do with snow, like snow balls, or snow angels. With the instructors help the students will have plenty of opportunities to critically think about what they are reading.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

This book is appropriate for children to view, hear, or read. There are no graphics or words that could be interpreted as offensive, rude, or disrespectful. The science lesson was shown in a way that all students in the northern hemisphere, but especially those that spent time on farms, could relate with.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

The content is accurate to many farmers and other people living in the northern hemisphere. It is best to remember that those living in the southern hemisphere have different weather patterns than we do at the same time of the year. When we have summer they have winter and vice versa.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does not clearly state that it is fact and fiction. There is nothing outlandish happening in the book that would give even the slightest hint that this could not be based on true events.  There are even events in the book like getting on the school bus for a new year that the students can relate to.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clearly and accurately depict a typically change of seasons throughout the majority of the northern hemisphere. For the spring it showed lots of rain and planting. It showed realistic food stands that individuals use to sell produce at during the summer and fall. For the winter section we were shown snow and snowmen that were built.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book would be a great read aloud for any of the students I said were ready for the read. However, being a read aloud is all it could usually be for Pre-K  and Kindergarten classes because of the advanced level of reading and the high number of words on the page. During first grade the students should be able to read a great deal of the book on their own. During second grade they should be able to read the whole thing on there own with minimal assistance.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

There is a slight multi-cultural component to the book. Everyone in the northern hemisphere would be able to understand the weather conditions that are happening where they live. There is even more aspects of life that farmers would be able to show a connection with do to all the talk of planting and selling your own produce and flowers.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book is free from gender bias. The main character of the book is a child but it is never told if they are a female or male. Within the book we are shown aspects of what we consider manly things to do as well as girly things to do.The book talks about picking flowers, which tends to be thought of as a feminine occupation. There is also a section that talks over the planting of crops, which is known as an occupation that needs to be done by a strong male.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

This book does not show any close associations with math because the seasons were already all laid out and organized in a manner that could be studied. This could be a good piece to use as a model for writing. It is a good book to use to cover expository text.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

This book does present a positive out look towards nature, but it does not talk about technology. Throughout the story we are shown how plants flourish and how you can have fun in the differing elements. We see the character doing everything from nourishing plants, feeding birds, going to school, and playing in the snow. The illustrations show a side of self-accomplishment and fun, there is nothing morbid going on throughout the book.