Animal appreciation is an important aspect of SMART START'S curriculum. Our daily activities often center around learning about nature and wildlife in the outdoor classroom. This month our young learners engaged in an enhanced unit dedicated to animal studies.
Read along below!
📚Interests were piqued as peers pondered over books and figurines at a themed display. Animal types, behaviors and habitats were discussed and explored. Reptiles and amphibians were a favorite!
ABC Upper and lowercase letters and sound identification were strengthened using jumbo animal alphabet cards. Safari Hats Linked Here!
🧩Fine motor and cognitive capabilities were utilized while completing puzzles and playing memory games. Various skill leveled materials were provided for our multiage classroom. This Montessori style environment enables student-led learning. Whether they choose to challenge abilities with older friends or to practice with a younger age group, students are encouraged to learn and develop at their own pace.
📸Picture frames were decorated in preparation of the Curious Creatures animal show. These formative years in early childhood are crucial and photos encourage the formation of memories. Frames Linked Here! Animal Stickers Linked Here!
🐍The Curious Creatures presentation was a success! This educational hands-on experience consisted of an assortment of animals interacting with the class. A snake, parrot, scorpion. alligator, tarantula, tortoise, hedgehog and tree frog were among the creatures shared. We were so proud of our pupils for bravely holding and petting each animal (some even crawled/sat on their heads!).
🕮 Names for groups of animals were discussed during an outdoor story time. Book Linked Here!
🐅Future zoologists created their very own zoo outdoors using animal figurines. All organized each animal type into "exhibits" for classmates and teachers to observe. Learning through play is essential for children to fully comprehend and express the subject matter.
🐘Animal recognition was reinforced during a game of bingo! This was a fun way to conclude this unit of study.
Thank you for reading all about animals at SMART START!
