Where Animals Live

            Our class is beginning a new unit in our reading program called Where Animals Live. Animals live in habitats.  Habitats include all the places where animals live, such as forests, oceans, and city parks.  This unit will help students understand that they can learn a great deal about wildlife from the habitat the animals live in.  Students will hear and discuss selections that highlight various animals and their habitats such as the red-eyed tree frog and polar bears.  They will also learn about life within a specific habitat, the desert, and how wildlife has adapted to its harsh environment.

            Animals that live in habitats very far from our homes are sometime difficult to see and learn about.  Most of us will never see a polar bear In its natural habitat.  Places like zoos, aquariums and aviaries allow us the opportunity to see these animals in person.  These places must recreate the animal’s natural habitat so they will be comfortable and happy.

Activities you can do with your child:

• Read books about animals together
• Visit nature centers, aquariums, aviaries or zoos
• Search the local newspaper for articles about animals and their habitats
• Have your child draw their favorite animal in their habitat
• Choose a habitat and learn about it together

           

Concept & Question Board:

In our classroom we create a board for each unit filled with concepts, or facts we already know, and questions, things we are wondering about.  As we read stories in poems in each unit we answer questions that we may have, add concepts that we have learned and look for answers to new questions that come up.  You and your student can help add to our concept and question board by looking for articles and pictures related to the topic.  Your student may be interested in reading a book related to the topic and drawing a picture or writing a sentence to share as a concept for our board.  

Whatever you do at home to supplement our learning at school is always appreciated!