This is a comprehension activity that describes the story of a bird, Lucy, that lives on a coastal sand dune and how humans littering on the beach can negatively impact the wildlife and vegetation of the ecosystem. The story helps to directly address the main issues that littering has on our environment in an age-appropriate setting. 

This activity allows the children to critically evaluate and reflect the impacts that are discussed in the story, through use of story-telling and relevant comprehension questions. Furthermore, using principles of effective science communication for children, such as anthropomorphism, creates an emotional connection to the relevant topic that without it, children would likely not want to engage with. Using a small amount of seductive details (the hand-drawn images with muted colours), will interest the children enough that they engage thoroughly, without being overly distracting that they don’t learn the key information.

This comprehension activity is made for children in Key Stage 2  to be completed independently. For younger children, a group setting where this can be completed is recommended.

Free download available for use.