Direct Speech: hermit crab
Learning Objective
We are learning how to use and punctuate direct speech.
Context: hermit crab
Credit: BBC Four - Life Story
Clip Description
Despite their name, hermit crabs are not ‘true’ crabs. This is because they are unable to grow their own shells. Instead, hermit crabs have a hard exoskeleton on the front part of their body and a soft tail on the other half. To protect their soft body parts, they find and use the discarded shells of other animals, like whelks. The crustaceans are so dependent on their shells for protection that they will only venture out when they need to upgrade to a larger one or when they are ready to breed.
In this fascinating clip, we will see hermit crabs attempting to ‘move house’ by exchanging shells when a new shell washes ashore. Incredibly, the crabs form an orderly queue, with the largest crabs at the front and the smallest at the back. Will they find the large crab they need to complete the chain? Watch the clip to find out.
Discuss the meaning of each word highlighted in bold.
Word Challenge
Can you write a list of words/phrases that accurately describe the hermit crabs extraordinary behaviour.
e.g. ingenious, like soldiers preparing for battle, …