Craft Lesson 2

Topic: Mammal/ Or Not? using the book, What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page

Discussion: (Mid-Kindergarten, Large Group)

Making predictions and using higher-level thinking skills is not only a fun way for children to brainstorm and learn, but it is also a way in which children are actively involved in a lesson. Children also need to know their basics about mammals or non-mammals, therefore, this book would be ideal for a lesson conducted to teach this to children.

How To Teach It:
Materials: picures from the book, other pictures of animals, and a chalkboard

1. Talk about what mammals are (this should be an extension of your lesson). Then, on the chalkboard, make two different columns: one for animals that are mammals and one for animals that are not mammals. Write down their predictions.

2. Read the book, (What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?) to the children. Discuss which animal is a mammal and which one is not.

3. Take out the flashcards and have the children tell you which one is a mammal. As they do this you post the flashcards dividing them into the two columns. Ask the children why they are dividing them the way in which they are as they do it.

4. Have the children list and write down the mammals in their home and/or neighborhood. Then, have them write down a few sentences with each animal they name as to why they think they are mammals. Have the children reveal their pictures and ideas.