This programme is designed to allow the children to explore for animal signs and homes to discover which animals live in their school grounds (local habitat) and where and how these animals live.
Key concepts: habitats, senses, needs for life, environment
Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme the children should be able to:
- List the resources that animals need to survive – shelter, water, air, food
- Explain that a habitat is its home
- Understand that different animals are found in different places
- Name 3 types of signs animals leave
- Recognise that all living things need to be handled with care
Programme Outline
| Learning goals | Activities |
|---|---|
| To introduce that different animal are found in different homes To assess prior knowledge and questions from the group |
Story about animal homes Introduces a range of animals and where they live. Through the story the needs of – shelter, water, air and food – is discussed. |
| To make a personal connection with a local habitat Apply knowledge about their animal to find evidence they have left behind |
Habitat Explorers A short activity that enable the children to explore. Children are challenged to choose an animal that would live in their school grounds and find evidence of its home and food. |
| Use sense of sound to explore for wildlife | Listening game Being a nature explorer is not just about what you can see! The group is read some poems to focus listening and then listen to sounds around them, identifying any wildlife. |
| To know what all animals need in order to survive | Homes In small groups, children are asked to make a miniature home for an animal finger puppet or model and to provide them with all their needs. |
| To assess understanding of learning points of the programme | Conclusion A short discussion to review needs for life, with opportunity to share interesting facts and discoveries from the session. |
Early Learning Goals
Reception programmes are designed to support learning and development through the 3 prime areas:
Communication and language; Physical development; Personal, social and emotional development.
Specific areas of learning; Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of the world and Expressive arts and design.