If you have any suggestions on things to include or questions in general, please feel free to contact us at askwater at aqua.wisc.edu.

What is so great about water in Wisconsin?

• Wisconsin is bordered by two of the Greatest Lakes in the world — Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.
• Wisconsin has an abundant supply of high-quality water.
• Early French explorers called this area “Ouisconsin,” derived from a Native American word meaning “gathering of the waters.”
• Wisconsin has 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, more than 15,000 lakes, and more than 5 million acres of wetlands.

Do you want to learn more about water in Wisconsin? Start here:

• Wisconsin Water Facts
• Or check out this Q and A: Did you know?

Ready to get started?  Wisconsin's Water Library has sample story times for you on two of our favorite water critters: FROGS and FISH.

ALL ABOUT FROGS

INTRODUCTION TO THE THEME

Frogs make a wonderful theme for a preschool or lower elementary storytime.  Frogs appeal to children because they can be held in the palm of the hand (before they take a jump!)  And they are very important indicators of the health of our planet. When amphibians disappear, this can affect other animals. Like the miners' canaries, a decline in amphibians is like a red flag, warning us that something is wrong with the environment that we all share. And finally, many of us have an ethical sense that we should protect life on earth as best we can. 

• Fact or Fiction?  Can you bust some of these myths about frogs?

READ AND LEARN

• Do you want to learn about frogs? Read a book!
• Try the Catch the Frog Quiz and catch up on some more facts about frogs in Wisconsin
• Wonder what frogs live in Wisconsin?  Find out here
• Thinking of getting a frog for a pet? Learn about what you need

CREATE

• Create a talking foamy frog
• Learn the folds of an origami frog
• Learn how to draw a frog
• Color this frog or this one

LISTEN

• Hear the sounds of frogs!
• Silly songs about frogs

PUT IT ALL TOGETHER

• A sample storytime, using some of these resources

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IT'S A GREAT DAY TO GO FISHING

INTRODUCTION TO THE THEME

Fish make a great storytime because they provide a lot of interest to children who may have grown up visiting lakes or near freshwater.  And they are fun because they can be slimy, slippery, colorful.  In Wisconsin, there are interesting cultural and historical significance to fish which make them ideal for teaching and reading. For example:

• Fish have been important to communities for generations.  They've been the lifeblood of towns and villages for ages. Millions of people like to catch and eat fish, while others earn their living by selling tackle and providing other services to anglers.
• Fishing can provide lifelong enjoyment of the outdoors for children of all ages.  Fishing can be an activity enjoyed with family or friends or can be enjoyed in solitude.
• Fish are a very cool water critter.  What makes them unique? Fish have special adaptations that make them suited for life in the water. They have fins and gills.  Their shape helps them travel through water and their colors make them safe from prey.

READ AND LEARN

• Read a book about fish and fishing
• Learn about the fish of the Great Lakes region

CREATE

• Make a paperplate fish
• Stained glass fish craft

LISTEN

• Learn two silly songs about fish

PUT IT ALL TOGETHER

• A sample storytime, using some of these resources

Included in this storytime, is a great play literacy piece developed by the staff at Madison Public Library.  It's called "Going fishin'"  MPL has graciously shared this piece for your use. Click here to download instructions on how to create the piece and use it in your storytime.

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