• Zoo Tales Virtual Library

    Zoo Tales Virtual Library

    BIAZA Zoo Tales

    Welcome to Zoo Tales!

    In support of BIAZA's Zoo Tales event from Friday 24 February – Thursday 2 March, and as part of the lead up to World Book Day, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) are proud to share some lovely stories around the themes of biodiversity and conservation.  

    Please click on each book cover to watch the author share their story, or in some cases, these stories can be read independently too.

    Pre and post reading activities have been gathered alongside further links, support learner's understanding of conservation and biodiversity.

    Curriculum links have been provided for educators under their own section.

    A HUGE thank you to all the authors, illustrators and publishers for sharing their stories. 

    • Pre Reading Activities

      Use the images of the book covers to share predictions/ thoughts about the story, these could include:

      • Who might the characters be?
      • Where is the story set? Can you see clues on the cover?
      • What could the story be about? What makes you think this?
      • What do you  know about the author and/ or illustrator?
      • Do you know about any of the animals shown on the covers?


      • Last by Nicola Davies


        • The versatile reptile by Nicola Davies


          • Invertebrates are Cool by Nicola Davies


            • Post Reading Activities

              Now you've read the story, you can share...

              Likes and Dislikes

              Characters?

              Events/Plot?

              Settings/Places?

              Connections

              Did it remind you of other stories, films or shows?

              Is there anything you know about the characters or place

              Questions

              What sparked your interest?

              What do you want to know more about?

              Meerkats


              Other ideas

              • View our other virtual learning resources via the "Further Resources" section, alternatively search using the function at the top of this page.
              • Create information poster and reports about animals featured in these stories.
              • Retell a story to a friend, family member or classmate.
              • Create a sequel to a story of your choosing.
              • Draw your favourite characters.
              • Create your own story about your favourite wild animal.
              • Research RZSS projects that support the conservation of these animals, their close relatives or their habitats:
              World map with icons highlighting conservation projects Explore our global projects

              • Curriculum Links (CfE)

                Curriculum notes:

                 The stories chosen are most suitable for Early, First and Second Level Learners but can be used as a stimulus to promote learning at any age. Pre and Post reading activities have been suggested for all texts however further resources can be found using key words within Zoodle search.


                Curriculum Links
                EarlyFirst Second
                To help me understand stories and other texts, I ask questions and link what I am learning with what I already know.

                LIT 0-07a / LIT 0-16a / ENG 0-17a

                		To show my understanding across different areas of learning, I can identify and consider the purpose and main ideas of a text. LIT


                1-16a 


                		To show my understanding across different areas of learning, I can identify and consider the purpose and main ideas of a text and use supporting detail.

                LIT 2-16a


                To show my understanding, I can respond to different kinds of questions and other close reading tasks and I am learning to create some questions of my own.


                ENG 1-17a
                		To show my understanding, I can respond to literal, inferential and evaluative questions and other close reading tasks and can create different kinds of questions of my own.

                ENG 2-17a

                I enjoy exploring events and characters in stories and other texts, sharing my thoughts in different ways.





                LIT 0-19a
                I can share my thoughts about structure, characters and/or setting, recognise the writer’s message and relate it to my own experiences, and comment on the effective choice of words and other features.





                 ENG 1-19a
                I can:
                • discuss structure, characterisation and/or setting
                • recognise the relevance of the writer’s theme and how this relates to my own and others’ experiences
                • discuss the writer’s style and other features appropriate to genre.

                ENG 2-19a

                 I enjoy exploring and playing with the patterns and sounds of language and can use what I learn.

                LIT 0-01a / LIT 0-11a / LIT 0-20a
                 I enjoy creating texts of my choice and I regularly select subject, purpose, format and resources to suit the needs of my audience.


                 LIT 1-20a / LIT 2-20a                		 
                I enjoy creating texts of my choice and I regularly select subject, purpose, format and resources to suit the needs of my audience.


                 LIT 1-20a / LIT 2-20a

                Our wider activities have links to contextual learning across the following E+O's

                Science: 

                • SCN 0-01a/1-01a/1-02a/ 2-01a/2-02a.
                • SCN 0-20a/1-20a/2-20a/2-20b


                Social Studies:

                • SOC 0-08a/1-08a/2-08a/2-08b

                • Further resources/ links to wider learning

                  Further Links

                  A selection of follow up activities to support wider learning around the theme of conservation and biodiversity.

                  All content remains part of Zoodle and our associated partners, we would encourage you to sign up for a FREE account to make the most of our virtual learning content.

                  • Picture of Dermot O'Leary with a cover of his book

                    wildcat's with dermot

                    Join Dermot O'Leary as he meets Wildcats at the Highland Wildlife Park.

                    Early, First and Second Level

                    Adventure awaits...

                  • Sunbear and pumpkins

                    Threat Top Trumps

                    Play our brand-new exclusive game and develop your own cards to add to the pack!

                    Second Level

                    Click to play

                  • Socorro dove chick

                    BIAZA

                    Find out more about the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

                     Second Level

                    Explore BIAZA