Discover the Habitats Series: CVI-Friendly Books for Every Classroom
Discover the Habitats Series: CVI-Friendly Books for Every Classroom
Teachers and therapists are looking for CVI-friendly, accessible classroom books that are engaging, educational, and enjoyable for every learner. Little Dandelion Press’s Habitats Series, including What Lives on a Farm?, What Lives in the Ocean?, What Lives in the Desert?, What Lives in the Rainforest?, What Lives in the Woodlands?, and What Lives on a Farm? was designed with that goal in mind.
These CVI-friendly books make science accessible and enjoyable for all learners, including those with visual or sensory differences. This series introduces foundational early science concepts, including habitats, animal classification, observation skills, and environmental awareness. It is a powerful tool for early science learning and an accessible addition to any inclusive classroom.
Why the Habitats Series Works
Accessible Learning for All Students
Each book introduces students to real-world habitats and the animals that live there. From farms and deserts to oceans, rainforests, and woodlands, the series aligns naturally with early science learning and supports an inclusive science curriculum. Students explore habitats, practice categorization, and build observation and inquiry skills while engaging with visually simplified, high-contrast images.
CVI-Informed Design for Visual Access
Children with cortical visual impairment, low vision, and other visual processing differences need more than colorful pictures. Each page of the Habitats Series is intentionally designed to:
- Reduce visual complexity while maintaining meaningful context
- Use high-contrast realy imagery to support visual attention and recognition
- Call out important features for recognition and learning, also known as salient features
Our companion learning packs highlight these salient features, which is especially helpful for students with functional vision in early to late Phase II (based on the CVI Range). This thoughtful approach ensures all students can engage confidently and independently. These handmade matte laminated stickers can be added to cardstock or foam board with a velcro dot to be used on a All-in-one board or other felt board.
Flexible Classroom Use
The Habitats Series works in general education, special education, and therapy settings. These CVI-informed classroom resources can support discussion, hands-on activities, and multi-sensory learning experiences. Pair pages with tactile materials, figurines, or sound to reinforce concepts and deepen engagement.
Classroom Strategies
- Visual Exploration: Encourage students to identify animals and habitat features on each page
- Interactive Discussion: Explore food chains, animal behaviors, and habitat connections
- Hands-On Extensions: Incorporate textures, sounds, or real-life objects for multi-sensory engagement. Consider creating a book box filled with manipulatives that connect to the book
- Differentiated Learning: Use simplified visuals for students who need clarity and more detailed pages for those ready to explore further
Explore the Habitats Series Today
The Habitats Series combines CVI-informed design, accessible visuals, and real-world habitat learning. These books empower teachers and therapists to deliver inclusive, engaging, and meaningful science experiences for every student.
Designed for Access
- Reduced visual complexity to support processing
- High-contrast, real-world photography
- Clear, uncluttered layouts
- Meaningful context to support understanding
- Simple rhythm and predictable pacing
- Supports shared reading and emergent literacy
- Encourages visual attention, recognition, and search
FAQs
What makes the Habitats Series CVI-friendly?
The Habitats Series is designed with visual accessibility in mind for children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and low vision. Each book uses simplified scenes, strong visual contrast, and intentional layout design to reduce visual complexity and support access to key information.
Are the Habitats books only for children with CVI or visual impairments?
No. While the series is designed to support children with CVI and visual impairments, it is also used in inclusive classrooms, early intervention settings, and homes. The simplified design supports a wide range of learners, including emergent readers and children who benefit from reduced visual clutter.
How are the Habitats books different from traditional animal or habitat books?
Traditional habitat books often include busy backgrounds, detailed illustrations, and multiple competing visual elements. The Habitats Series intentionally simplifies each page to highlight only the most important visual information, making it easier for children with CVI or low vision to engage and process what they see.
Can the Habitats Series be used in classrooms?
Yes. The Habitats Series is designed for classroom use and works well in special education, early childhood, and inclusive learning environments. Teachers often use the books for shared reading, concept introduction, and accessible participation during science or literacy units.
What skills do the Habitats books support?
The Habitats Series supports early literacy, visual attention, concept development, and participation in shared learning experiences. The predictable structure and simplified visuals help children engage with content at their own pace.
How do the Habitats books support inclusion?
The series is designed so children with visual differences can participate in the same learning experiences as their peers. Instead of requiring separate materials, the books are built to be accessible from the start, supporting shared engagement in classroom and home settings.
Are the Habitats books appropriate for early learners?
Yes. The series is developmentally appropriate for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary learners. The combination of simplified visuals and supportive text makes them accessible for a wide range of early learning needs.