Unit 2: Animals & Habitats
A primary goal for this unit of study, Animals, and Habitats, is to guide the child's natural curiosity about animals and open a door to deeper learning of how animals live and grow. The unit is composed of three shorter studies: Fish and Frogs, Owls, and Wolves. In each study, children explore and learn to differentiate between fiction and informational texts. They tell and enjoy stories filled with animal characters and are also curious to learn information about real animals. They might have pets at home or see animals in their communities—a dog out for a walk, a squirrel in a tree, ants on the sidewalk.
Big Ideas* Children will understand that: ● Like humans, animals are part of interdependent communities that are affected by, and adapt to, the environment that surrounds them. ● Animals need food, water, and air to survive. ● All animals grow and change over time. ● Humans can harm or help the environment through their presence. Humans have a responsibility to act as stewards, protectors, and advocates for the environment. ● Through shared or independent research, people gather, organize, and analyze information about the world to think critically and gain understanding. |
Guiding Questions* ● How do animals form communities, work together, and use and adapt to their environments, and how is this similar to and different from what people do? ● How do animals grow and change over time? ● Why is it important to protect the environment? ● What do you want to learn more about animals and their habitats? How and where can you find this information? ● What do animals need to survive? |
Stories and Songs from Unit 2
Source: "Focus on K2 (Kindergarten}" Boston Public Schools Department of Early Childhood https://www.bpsearlylearning.org/ October 2020