What Do Baby Animals Need?

LESSON 3

Children understand and apply knowledge of baby animals' survival needs through interactive pretend play activities, promoting empathy, creativity, and connection to nature. 

  • The book “Born in the Wild” by Lita Judge.

  • Play props such as: stuffed animals or animal figurines, animal costumes, toy food, water bowls or containers, nesting materials, toy shelter or dens, toy doctors supplies.  

Materials

  • Gather Materials.

  • Prepare a space for playing.

Preparations

  • Guide students through a review of animal needs to reinforce key concepts and promote comprehension.

  • Provide opportunities for hands-on learning through pretend play activities.

  • Support students in engaging with nature during outdoor play, fostering curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

  • Foster a positive learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore, imagine, and learn through play and discussion. 

Objectives for Teachers

Objectives for Children

  • Understand why baby animals are usually born in the spring, showing knowledge of seasonal patterns and their impact on animal life cycles.

  • Recall and discuss the needs of baby animals for survival, demonstrating comprehension and retention.

  • Engage in pretend play activities to practice understanding of animal behaviors and needs, fostering creativity, imagination, and empathy.

  • Explore and interact with natural materials during outdoor nature play. 

Collect and Connect

Practice saying the poem ‘The Lamb’ together with the actions you came up with.  

The Lamb

I have a coat,  

A lovely coat, 

As white as milk,  

As soft as silk, 

And as warm as a quilt. 

I am, 

A happy little lamb.

 

-I. Tupaj

Activity Flow

  1. Begin this lesson by reflecting on the previous lesson. Here are some questions you might ask: 

  • What was your favorite part about our baby animal birthday celebration?

  • Why are baby animals usually born in the spring? 

2. Then dive into today's lesson by reviewing what animals need to survive. Ask your child what they remember. Flip through the book “Born in the Wild” and re-read it again if your child is interested. Discuss that baby animals need food/water, protection, shelter, the ability to move, family, care and grooming, play, and learning new skills for survival. These needs will vary depending on the animal.

3. Children will practice and apply their understanding of animal needs through pretend play activities. Here are some ideas to incorporate into their play for today's lesson and throughout the unit: 

  • Pretend to be animals: Let your child choose an animal and act out its behaviors and needs. They can pretend to eat, sleep, and explore their environment just like the animals we've learned about. 

  • Small world animal play: Set up a small world play area with toy animals and natural materials. Encourage your child to create habitats for the animals and act out different scenarios, like hunting for food or caring for their young.

  • Vet rescue play: Provide stuffed animals or toy pets for your child to care for as a veterinarian. They can diagnose imaginary ailments, bandage injuries, and provide nurturing care just like a real vet.

  • Nature play: Spend time outdoors exploring nature and observing real animals in their habitats. Encourage your child to engage in sensory play with leaves, sticks, and other natural materials, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.