Teaching Resources for A River Running Through You by Amy-Jane Beer

A River Running Through You by Amy-Jane Beer invites children on a thoughtful and imaginative journey through the world of water, from mountain springs and winding rivers to oceans, clouds and even the water flowing through our own bodies. Blending lyrical non-fiction with scientific insight and folklore, the book encourages young readers to reflect on the importance of water in nature, in ecosystems and in human life. 

This teacher pack is designed to help educators explore the book’s themes with pupils aged 5–7 through a range of engaging cross-curricular activities. The tasks encourage curiosity, discussion and creativity while supporting learning in subjects such as geography, science, literacy and environmental awareness. Through brainstorming, mapping activities, creative writing and classroom discussion, pupils are invited to think about rivers not only as physical features of the landscape but also as powerful symbols of connection, movement and life.

At its heart, the story reminds readers that water is not simply a resource but something that shapes the world around us and within us. By exploring the ideas in the book, children can begin to understand the role rivers play in sustaining wildlife, supporting communities and maintaining healthy ecosystems. The activities in this pack aim to inspire pupils to look more closely at the natural world and to develop a sense of responsibility for protecting the rivers and waterways that sustain life on Earth.