To all the wonderful preschool and kindergarten teachers out there, you are doing an incredible job of introducing young children to the wonders of the world around them. Field trips are a great way to spark curiosity and make learning fun. Today I am sharing activities to help prepare for a zoo field trip. Here are 5 fun ideas:
- Animal Sorting: Introduce your students to the different types of animals they may see at the zoo, such as mammals, reptiles, and birds. Have them sort pictures or toys of animals into these categories. This will help them understand the diversity of the animal kingdom and make it easier for them to recognize and identify different species at the zoo.
- Habitat Study: Choose a few animals that are going to be featured on the field trip and study their natural habitat. For example, if you are going to see elephants, discuss where they live in the wild, what their diet consists of, and how they adapt to their environment. This will help your students appreciate the animals in a deeper way and make the zoo experience more meaningful.
- Animal Art: Encourage your students to create their own animal artwork using different materials such as clay, paint, or markers. This will help them develop their fine motor skills and creativity while also getting excited about the upcoming trip to the zoo.
- Animal Sounds: Have your students practice making the sounds of different animals they may see at the zoo. This will not only be a fun activity but will also help them identify the animals by their sounds while on the trip.
- Map Reading: Show your students a map of the zoo and discuss the different areas and exhibits. Point out where the animals they have been learning about will be located. This will help them understand the layout of the zoo and make it easier to navigate on the day of the trip.
In addition to the activities mentioned above, some more fun activities to help prepare for a field trip to the zoom are book companions from Little Owl Academy. Specifically, the book companions for “Twas the Day Before Zoo Day” and “View at the Zoo” offer a variety of activities that align with the stories and the animals that are featured. Read these beloved books and then complete the fun learning activities to go along with them!
For example, the “Twas the Day Before Zoo Day” book companion includes activities such as making a zoo map, learning animal facts, creating animal puppets, and practicing sequencing skills. These activities are not only fun but also help to reinforce the concepts and vocabulary introduced in the book.
You can find this book companion below:
Similarly, the “View at the Zoo” book companion includes activities such as animal classification, creating animal habitats, and practicing measuring skills. These activities are designed to engage young learners and prepare them for the types of animals and experiences they will encounter on the field trip.
Find it below:
By incorporating these book companions into your classroom activities, you can provide your students with a well-rounded and engaging approach to learning about the zoo. This can help to build excitement and anticipation for the trip and ensure that your students have a meaningful and memorable experience.
These are just a few ideas for activities to do before heading to the zoo with your preschool or kindergarten students. By taking the time to prepare them beforehand, you will not only make the field trip more enjoyable but also create a deeper understanding and appreciation for the animals they will see. Happy exploring!