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6. Let children play Animal Charades. Whisper an animal's name to a child, have him act like that animal, and have other children guess name of animal.
7. Cut out pictures of animals from newspapers, magazines, catalogues, flyers, brochures, or any other resource. Have children make collages of pets, farm animals, zoo animals, large animals, small animals...you get idea.
8. Discuss what kind of animal would make a good pet for your classroom or living situation. Write down positives and negatives. What will pet need for food and living space? What supplies will it need? Who will take care of it? When pet grows bigger, will it still be suitable for your classroom or living situation? What will you do with your pet when you go on vacation or when weather is extremely bad? Will you be able to afford this pet's upkeep? Will this pet get along well with children?? Take all these factors into consideration when you make a decision as to pet you should choose!
7. Discuss how to treat animals at zoo or those that are wild. Should you feed them?
8. How should you treat animals with special needs, such as manatees?
9. Discuss seeing-eye dogs and police dogs. Should you bother them when they are working?
I hope these ideas have been useful and have inspired your own creativity. Remember...Reading is FUNdamental!!
Freda J. Glatt, MS, retired from teaching after a 34-year career in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Her focus, now, is to reach out and help others reinforce reading comprehension and develop a love for reading. Visit her site at http://www.sandralreading.com. Reading is FUNdamental!