Use this substitute teacher kit for grades 1-2 that encourages children to explore the world of animals.
Subjects:
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Activities
Science – Animal Groups
Materials: magazines, craft paper
| • | Explain that we can put animals into different groups. For first years, you might use the following groups: animals with fur, animals with scales, animals with feathers. For second years, you might want to use some or all of the following: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. |
| • | Tape a piece of craft paper to the wall. Write the name of each animal group you choose in large letters on the paper. |
| • | Invite pupils to find and cut out pictures of animals in magazines. |
| • | Encourage the class to decide in which group each animal belongs. Then tape the picture under the correct heading. |
| • | After pupils identify all of the pictures, discuss each animal group with the class. Ask questions such as "What animals are in this group?" or "How are these animals alike?" |
Reading/Language Arts – Animals A to Z
Materials: 26 large pieces of paper, each labeled with one letter of the alphabet; pencils; crayons
| • | Divide pupils into pairs or small groups. Explain that they are going to write and illustrate entries for a class zoo dictionary. |
| • | Before pupils begin work, make a few sample entries. For example: On the T page, draw a picture of a tiger, label it, and write a simple descriptive sentence below it, such as, "A tiger is a big cat." |
| • | Give each group one letter of the alphabet and ask them to brainstorm animals whose names begin with that letter. Then encourage them to work together to draw a picture and write a descriptive sentence for each animal. |
| • | When pupils have finished the dictionary, have a volunteer design a cover. Then display the book in the classroom. |
Art – Our Own Zoo
Materials: craft paper, markers, crayons, magazines, glue
| • | Invite pupils to work together to make a zoo collage. |
| • | If necessary, help pupils brainstorm a list of animals that they might include in their zoo. |
| • | Encourage pupils to use crayons and markers to create realistic animal areas. Then have them draw or paste animals into the areas. |
| • | Display the zoo collage on a classroom wall or bulletin board. |
Social Studies – Making a Zoo Map
Materials: simple maps, craft paper, crayons
| • | Ask pupils to imagine they have just entered an unfamiliar zoo. Have them think about how they will find the animals they want to see. |
| • | Distribute simple maps for pupils to view. Review basic map features such as symbols and map keys. |
| • | Pupils can work in pairs or small groups to create zoo maps. Before they begin work, make a list of the features that each map should include, such as specific animal areas, a petting zoo, and restrooms. |
| • | Encourage pupils to think practically. How might they arrange the areas? What animals should they include? |
| • | When pupils have finished their maps, have each group share their work with the class. |
Physical Education – The Zookeeper Says...
Materials: none
| • | Take the class outside or to a large, open room to play a game modeled on Simon Says. |
| • | Explain that you will be giving the pupils instructions. If you say "The zookeeper says..." pupils should do as you say. But if you do not use those words, pupils should stand still. |
| • | Use simple instructions to prompt pupils to behave like different zoo animals. For example: hop like a bunny; swim like a dolphin; run like a zebra; walk like a bear. |
| • | If a child reacts to an instruction that doesn't begin with the words "The zookeeper says..." he or she should sit down. Continue to give instructions until only one child is left standing. |
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