Included in this resource:
- An original, full-color shared reading selection called "All About Animal Habitats." In this story children are taken on a tour to see a variety of animals and their homes. Readers will be engaged as they connect the story to their own prior knowledge.
- A matching activity intended for lower primary grades. Students will use reading comprehension strategies to match the animal from the story to its appropriate habitat.
- An idea wheel intended for upper primary grades. Students will choose one habitat from the story and research it using books or electronic sources. They will fill in the idea wheel with information about the habitat.
- "My Habitat Book": each student will make a book filled with information about habitats. They will choose several animals (from the shared reading selection or otherwise) to focus on.
- A habitat investigation activity in which students will observe and investigate an outdoor habitat. Students will take notes, summarize their investigation and sketch a picture of the habitat.
- A "Needs of Living Things" simulation that will get students up and moving! Students will learn the effects of habitat destruction, drought and other changes in this fun, kinesthetic activity.
- A "Become an Expert" cooperative learning activity in which students will learn about herbivores, carnivores or omnivores. Students will be responsible for teaching other group members what they learned.
- Instructions for an engaging "rolling review strategy!"
- Food chain cards that can be used in many different ways. Instructions for two kinesthetic activities are included.
- A home project: Each student will create a diorama and a written description of it as a home project. To integrate a speaking and listening component, each student can tell the class the main details of his/her diorama.
