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Animals for Kids
help kids learn more about animals with a focused study
Animal Study for kids
Help kids learn about animals with an in-depth, focused study, also known as The Project Approach. Focused studies are so much fun for both kids and parents! Additionally, its a wonderful way to bond with your child.
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What is a
focused study?
You can help your child learn more about animals by doing a Focused Study.
A Focused Study is an intense and focused exploration of a specific topic. Most importantly, the chosen topic should be of great interest to your child.
This method of learning is also known as Project Based Learning or The Project Approach. It is an excellent way to engage a child in in-depth, comprehensive purposeful learning.
Focused Studies can be done on any topic of interest. For example, below we are using animals as the focus of the study-however you can use this format to study any topic that will engage your child!
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Guide to Completing an Animal Study with Kids
Getting Started
Children are fascinated with animals. Because of this, giving them the chance to engage in a focused exploration of their favorite animal leads to a great deal of fun, purposeful learning and developmental growth.
gather materials
Three large poster boards
Research materials: books, magazines, kid friendly documentaries and educational videos
Note cards, paper, construction paper
Clipboard
Writing and drawing utensils
Tape
choose a topic of study
When your child begins to show interest in animals or bugs- run with it! Often times children will focus in on one type of animal or animal group. Because of this, you and your child will be able to engage in a really in-depth investigation.
Let your child be the guide when choosing an animal to study. As a result, the more invested and involved your child is in choosing the topic, the more they will engage the process.
If your child however doesn’t focus in on one themselves, then help guide them to find an animal they are excited to learn more about.
knowledge chart
Next, after your child has picked their topic-its time to make a knowledge chart.
Get three large pieces of paper or poster board.
Title one poster board “ANIMAL FACTS” and make two columns-“What I Know” and “What I Want to Know”
Talk with your child about the animal they picked.
Write down everything they say they already know in the “What I Know” column.
Next, talk to your child about what they would like to learn.
Write down all of their questions in the “What I Want to Know” column.
On the 2nd poster board write the heading “NEW WORDS”.
During your study write down any new words your child learns.
On the 3rd poster board write the heading “PHOTOS”
During the study tape any photos you’ve taken during the process on the PHOTOS board.
Lastly, tape the charts on a wall in a visible spot. Find a place for the charts where your child will have easy access to them during the study.
This will become your ANIMAL STUDY WALL
gather resources
Next, gather all the resources you can on the animal being studied.
Look around your home and go to the library to find as many books and resources as you can.
Read the books together.
As you learn the answers to the questions your child had-write them down on the chart.
Point out new vocabulary words while reading and use these new words through out your study.
Write the new words on your “NEW WORDS” chart
Also, write down any facts your child finds interesting on the “FACTS” chart.
If your child thinks of new questions add them to the “What I Want to Know” chart.
Look for other resources you could use to gather more information such as educational videos or websites, magazines, kid friendly documentaries.
Be sure to write down any new information or new words you’ve encountered on your charts.
what to research?
What does the animal look like?
How big is the animal?
Where does the animal live?
How long is their life span?
What type of habitat does the animal live in?
What does their diet consist of?
Who are their predators?
What is their behavior like?
How do they hunt?
What are their special and unique qualities?
Facts about reproduction and life-cycle.
outings
Find a place where you and your child can go to study the animal up close. For example, a science museum, aquarium, zoo, pet shelter, farm or nature center are all excellent choices. Bring a clip-board along so you or your child can write or draw observations made and new information learned. Take a lot of pictures on your outing. Print them and add them to your Animal Study Wall.
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extend learning
There are many ways to extend learning during a focused studies. Here are a just few examples.
Encourage your child to make paintings and drawings about their animal.
Ask your child to tell you a story about their animal and dictate it for them.
Have toy animals available for your child to play with during the study.
Encourage them to build a home or habitat for their animal using materials from around the house and from outside.
Take photos of the creations they build then print and display them on your Animal Study Wall.
Print and display images you and your child find during the study.
Try to incorporate some of these literacy activities into your study.
sharing research
Put together a book of everything you’ve learned together. Include all the drawings, paintings and stories your child has created along with any photos and images you’ve collected throughout the process. Include all the facts and information you’ve learned.
Ask your child to share with other family members and friends what they’ve learned. Lastly, proudly display the book in a prominent place in your home.
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Great animal facts websites
Check our National Geographic for Kids! Their website is a wonderful place to start when gathering information and facts.
Kid Zone is another really useful website to use for learning more about animals. They also include a lot of fun activities and printables.
