Unit Study: Exploring Preschool Animals

Target Age Group:

Preschoolers (Ages 3-5) Grade Level: Pre-K

Goals:

By the end of this unit study, preschoolers will be able to:

1. Identify and name common animals and their characteristics.
2. Understand basic animal habitats and adaptations.
3. Recognize animal sounds and movements.
4. Develop fine motor skills through arts and crafts activities related to animals.
5. Gain a basic understanding of animal-related concepts in science, geography, and literature.

Schedule: 5-Day Plan

Day 1: Introduction to Animals

• Introduce different types of animals: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
• Discuss basic characteristics of each animal group.
• Read books about animals.
• Arts and Crafts: Create animal masks.

Day 2: Animal Habitats

• Explore various animal habitats: forest, desert, ocean, jungle, etc.
• Discuss how animals adapt to their environments.
• Read books about animal habitats.
• Arts and Crafts: Create a habitat diorama.

Day 3: Animal Sounds and Movements

• Learn about the sounds and movements of different animals.
• Engage in role-playing animal movements and sounds.
• Read books about animal sounds and movements.
• Arts and Crafts: Create paper plate animals with movable parts.

Day 4: Science of Animals

• Discover interesting facts about specific animals (e.g., polar bears, elephants).
• Discuss animal life cycles and growth stages.
• Read books about animal life cycles.
• Science Project: Create a butterfly life cycle craft.

Day 5: Geography, Literature, and Bible Connections

• Explore animals from different parts of the world.
• Read animal-related stories from around the world.
• Discuss animals mentioned in the Bible (e.g., Noah’s Ark).
• Field Trip: Visit a local petting zoo or animal sanctuary.

Resource List:

Books:

1. “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle – Amazon Link
2. “National Geographic Kids First Big Book of Animals” by Catherine D. Hughes – Amazon Link
3. “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle – Amazon Link

Videos:

1. “Animal Sounds Song” by Cocomelon – YouTube Link
2. “Animal Habitat Song” by Kids Learning Tube – YouTube Link
3. “Wild Animal Dance” by The Kiboomers – YouTube Link

Arts and Crafts:

1. Animal Masks – Create masks of different animals using paper plates, paint, and craft materials.
2. Habitat Diorama – Build a diorama depicting an animal’s natural habitat using craft materials and toy animals.
3. Paper Plate Animals – Create animals with movable parts using paper plates and brad fasteners.

Science Project:

Butterfly Life Cycle Craft – Create a visual representation of the butterfly life cycle using colored paper and craft sticks.

Field Trip:

Visit a local petting zoo or animal sanctuary to observe and interact with various animals.

Bible Connection:

The story of Noah’s Ark – Genesis 6-9

Adapt and customize the activities based on the interests and abilities of the preschoolers in your unit study. Have a delightful time exploring the fascinating world of animals with your young learners!