Mrs. Carter’s Butterfly Garden

Yes, the book does foster the development of processes. Mrs. Carter's Butterfly Garden gives examples of how students can create a butterfly garden of their own, just like Mrs. Carter's. By giving them an example of Mrs. Carter's butterfly garden, they can then use this to build their own through a process of development.

• Author: Steve Rich
• Year Published: 2014
• ISBN: 978-1-941316-08-5

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

Mrs. Carter's Butterly Garden is about former First Lady Rosalynn Carter's butterfly-filled front yard project in her hometown of Plains, Georgia. Mrs. Carter explains how it is good for people when butterflies have welcoming spaces, and how young children can even create their own butterfly gardens at school or at home!

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, the book does foster the development of processes. Mrs. Carter's Butterfly Garden gives examples of how students can create a butterfly garden of their own, just like Mrs. Carter's. By giving them an example of Mrs. Carter's butterfly garden, they can then use this to build their own through a process of development.

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

This book does not provide much opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions. The text in this book is very formative and factual, and does not have many points where students can stop and assess their prior knowledge while furthering their knowledge based on the facts given in the book.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book does not necessarily encourage children to think for themselves in the beginning. Throughout the book, there is mainly facts about a butterfly's life, without engaging the students through questions, activities, etc. At the end of the book, it does somewhat encourage children to think for themselves when they can develop a butterfly garden of their own.

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

The science topic of "life science" is addressed in an appropriate way throughout the book. Teachers can pull out specific examples relating to the butterfly's life cycle and turn it into a lesson, or relate back to this book when teaching a lesson about life cycles.

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

The content of this book is indeed based on sound scientific principles. The material found in this book is all facts that the author and Mrs. Carter have researched themselves when raising their butterflies in their garden.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book does not distinguish between fact and fiction. Not one part of this book is fiction, it is entirely facts and research.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The "illustrations" in this book are both clear and accurate. They are real life photographs of Mrs. Carter's garden, butterflies, or certain pictures relating to those concepts, therefore they are as accurate as they can be.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is written at the level of a third grader, and possibly a second grader. I said this book could even reach pre-kindergarteners because it is a real-life, interesting, and engaging book that will interest young readers through realistic photographs.

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

I wouldn't say there is necessarily a multicultural component, but I would say it is free from stereotyping. I say this because it is a nonfiction book that is based on research and facts, so stereotypes are not mentioned or a part of this book's content.

Is the book free from gender bias?

I would say this book is free from gender bias. I would say this because the researcher and author is a man, who has worked with a woman, Mrs. Carter, in her butterfly garden. Having research that is compiled from the work of both a man and a woman make this book free from gender bias.

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

The only other discipline I would say that they book shows in close association with science is investigation/engineering. Although investigation is a big part of science, students are encouraged to investigate and design their own butterfly gardens at school or at home.

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

The book does present a positive attitude toward science. It highlights science in a way that is engaging, hands-on, and realistic by educating the students on a real life example of a butterfly garden.