Grade 1 Preparatory Activities

Science: 

#1 - Asks questions, makes/records observations, sorts objects, communicates with

others, makes predictions.

#2 – Uses books and other media to obtain information

#4 – Actively engages in learning via hands-on/minds-on science activities.

Language Arts:

#6 -   Increases vocabulary to reflect a growing range of knowledge.

#50 – Uses books and various resources as information sources.  

Math:

#8 – Compares shapes by sizes.

#9 – Identifies Relationships (larger than, smaller than, same size as, etc.)

Activity 1 “What is wild?”

Vocabulary:  domesticated vs. wild

1.  Ask students to bring pictures to class of as many animals as they can find in magazines or newspapers at home (or supply them with magazines and newspapers that they can cut up while at school). 

2.  Place two containers at the front of the class.  On one container write “Domesticated” and write “Wild” on the other.  Have each student introduce his/her animal pictures to the class.  Ask for a show of hands from the students if they think each animal is domesticated or wild.  Give the class clues as needed to ensure that the animals are sorted correctly.  As each animal is voted on, the student places that picture in the appropriate container.  Add your own pictures as well.

3.  Explain that the “domesticated” category consists of both farm animals and pets. 

Also, discuss that “wild” animals can live in a variety of places including the forests, grasslands, and oceans.

4.  Divide the class into groups and give each group at least three pictures from each container.  Explain that each group will create a collage of domesticated animals and a collage of wild animals, but they will sequence the animals from smallest to largest or vice versa.  Provide examples by asking the class to compare animal pairs according to their sizes (ask “Which one is larger?” etc.). 

Activity 2 “Animal Moms’ Morning Out”

1.  Draw and cut out a picture of a baby stroller. 

2.  Put pictures of adult animals on the wall with an empty baby stroller in front of each (as if they are pushing the stroller). 

3.  Have the students find and cut out pictures of as many baby wild animals as they can (or you can supply these. 

4.  Place all baby animal pictures in a container and have the students take turns picking a baby animal and placing it in the correct stroller.  If the baby has a unique name (like “fawn” or “cub,” write it on the stroller and discuss this with the class. When you’re finished you will have a fun display for your classroom or hallway.

5.  Ask the students to describe how the moms look different from their babies (size, color, spots, shape).

6.   For an extra resource, visit www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/animals/Animalbabies.shtml.
 

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