Substitute Teacher Kit
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A Visit to the Zoo (Grades 1-2)
Introduction
When you substitute in a first- or second-grade classroom, you can invite your class to explore zoo animals. Select a few of these activities to supplement your classroom lessons, or use the entire kit to create a fun-filled class "trip" to the zoo.
Preparation MaterialsClassroom Management Tips
Activities
Closing Activities
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Books to Read:
Barney Goes to the Zoo by Linda Cress Dowdy Curious George Visits the Zoo by Margaret Rey Going to the Zoo by Tom Paxton If I Ran the Zoo by Dr. Seuss 1, 2, 3 to the Zoo by Eric Carle Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire
Websites to Visit:http://www.kidscom.com/games/animal/animal.htmlhttp://www.thinkquest.org/library/
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What Am I? – Icebreaker
Say, "I went to the zoo and I heard this sound _____." (For example, growl like a lion or squawk like a parrot.) Then say, "I turned around and saw a _____." Ask students to guess what animal you saw. Continue playing, making new animal sounds. After a few rounds, ask student volunteers to lead the game.
If I Were an Animal – Icebreaker
| • | Ask, "If you could be any animal at the zoo, which animal would you like to be?" |
| • | Give students a few minutes to think about their responses. Then encourage them to share their choices with the class. |
| • | Students should be sure to tell why they chose their animal. If necessary, you can model a response. For example, "I'd like to be a monkey because I'd love to climb trees and swing from branch to branch. And I'd like to make silly faces at people watching me!" |
Invite Students to Become Zoo Animals – Icebreaker
| • | Ask each student to draw a zoo animal on an index card. Help them label the cards with their animals' names. |
| • | Punch two holes in the top of each card and run yarn through the holes. Have students tie the ends of the yarn and wear their cards around their necks. |
| • | Use these zoo animal names to keep students' attention throughout the day. For example, say: "Zebras and dolphins may line up first." "All animals that can fly will be in this group." "Lions and tigers may now find reading partners." |
Classroom "Zoo Corner"
Ask the librarian to suggest books, videos, and other materials that relate to zoo animals. Display these resources in one corner of the classroom.
| • | Invite students to read or look at books alone, in pairs, or in small groups. |
| • | Have students use books as a springboard for oral reports, stories, creative dramas, or art projects. |
| • | Select books to read and discuss with the class as a whole. |
Use Zoo Tickets to Reinforce Appropriate Behavior
| • | At the beginning of the day, give each child an empty envelope with "Zoo Tickets!" written on it. |
| • | Prepare small tickets to distribute when students exhibit good behavior. |
| • | Students can store the tickets in their envelopes and exchange them for a "trip to the zoo" at the end of the day. The "trip" could be a movie, filmstrip, or game about animals. |
Stress Reliever
Songs and fingerplays provide great relaxation opportunities for young students. Visit Zany Zoo Animals (http://www.alphabet-soup.net/dir7/zoo.html) to find an assortment of activities, songs, and poems you can share with your class. Content Area Activities
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