Animals

Animals are popular in early childhood education - there are endless opportunities for ongoing projects.

Animals appeal to children's natural desire to stimulate their senses and connect with other living beings. This interest topic spans cultures, languages and age groups.

There are different types of animals: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, prehistoric creatures, invertebrates and insects, and fish. Children may be interested in a particular species or type of animal, or animals in general.

Early Years Learning Framework

EYLF learning outcomes can be achieved through learning about animals. Interactions with real animals help children respect nature (2.4) and show care and empathy (1.4). Animals spark curiosity and imagination (4.1) and can promote involvement in inquiry, research and investigation (4.2). Learning about native Australian wildlife can help children form a sense of identity (1).

Learning experiences

Read and act out an animal-themed story

Every child's bookshelf has stories about animals. Many animal characters have human qualities and experiences, which helps children learn empathy.

Use an animal book as a starting point for other types of storytelling:

Act out the story using finger puppets, stick puppets or hand puppets. If you don't have them already, make them with the children.
Act out the story with children as the characters. Older children may put on a complete performance, while babies and toddlers can mimic sounds and movements.
Recreate the scene using a felt board.

Create sensory habitats for toy animals

Create sensory play stations that reflect the natural habitats of the toy animals in your service. Read about habitats on National Geographic Kids.

Place toy whales in a tub of water with sand and shells on the bottom.
Add toy horses to green playdough, grass, and sticks with leaves still attached. Let children make their own horse habitat.
Fill a shallow tray with water and freeze it - add toy penguins. What happens when their habitat gets too hot?

Play animal charades

Play a game with rules that develops observation, gross motor and social skills. One child pretends to be an animal, while other children guess which one it is.

You may or may not allow noises.
Let the children choose an animal or use cards featuring animal pictures.
For a greater challenge, split the children into teams and let them keep score using a tally system. This teaches mark making and emerging literacy skills.

Design a life for a stuffed animal

Pretend a stuffed animal is your classroom pet. Design an identity for it. This project works with all age groups and can be simple or complex.

What is its name?
What does it eat? Make pretend food and ask children to feed it regularly.
What sort of shelter does it need? Design and make a house for your animal.
Learn about life cycles. Surprise the children one day with a baby soft toy!

Investigate animal houses

When children research animal houses they will learn how simple structures are built and engineered. They will gain awareness of natural materials and the unique needs of different animals.

Bird nests, burrows, caves, dens, hives, shells, spider webs, and termite mounds.

Use books and the internet to research, but also go outside and observe local wildlife.
Set up a provocation on a table, such as a bird's nest or beehive, that children can inspect and draw.
Can children build structures themselves, like spiderwebs from wool, bird's nests from twigs and grass, or burrows in the sandpit?
Ask children about their pets at home. Where do they sleep at night?

Learning environments

Welcome a pet into your service

Pets offer invaluable learning experiences for young children. Read our pets page to learn about the benefits and challenges.

Attract animals to your garden

Commit to the long-term goal of transforming your outdoor areas. Co-construct knowledge alongside the children about the features of a wildlife-friendly garden. Read make your garden a wildlife haven by the Victorian Government.

Start by observing and researching the native animals in your area.
Ask for advice (and seedling donations) from organisations that promote native plants.
Make improvements to your playground one step at a time, and keep track of visiting creatures.

Promote animal authenticity

Animals are everywhere in early childhood environments - posters, books, puzzles and toys. Ensure most of them are authentically portrayed. Reduce stereotypes and cartoon characters. Ensure a wide range of animals are represented, not just "farm animals" and "'jungle animals".

Family and community

Participate in incursions and excursions

There are a wide range of programs that bring animals to classrooms for incursions and temporary experiences, from chicken hatching to reptile shows. Alternatively, look for places to visit in your community - wildlife parks, children's farms, or even the local duck pond.

Start a collection

Invite families to bring in interesting animal-themed items from home. Maybe someone has a snake's skin, an emu egg, or a peacock feather.

Ask families to share their connections to animals

Families may have pets or wildlife that visits their homes. Ask them to bring in photos to display on a wall.

Many cultures have beliefs and traditions about animals. Ask your families to share their stories. Use the families at your service as a starting point for animal education.

Interactions

Role model safe and sensitive interactions

Early childhood educators can role model caring and empathetic interactions with pets and wildlife. They can also model respect for all living creatures by withholding negative comments about certain animal types (e.g. some educators are scared of spiders, snails and worms).

Routines

Animal walks

During transitions, suggest children walk to the next location like their favourite animal.

Discussions

Animal discussions can raise difficult questions and challenging subject matter. Rather than imposing your own opinions about ethics, give children the space to form their own opinions.

How do animals help us? (E.g. meat, eggs, dairy, fur, feathers, farm work and friendship.)
What types of animals are there? Read types of animals by National Geographic Kids.
What do animals need to survive? How do they become endangered or extinct?
Did you know humans are animals?
Should we feed wild animals?

Events

22nd May is International Day for Biological Diversity
4th October is World Habitat Day and World Animal Day

Reflections

Why are children so interested in animals?
Which animals are most appealing to my children? Why?
Are my learning experiences meaningful and intentional, or am I just putting toy animals on tables?