Sometimes winter seems so lifeless and dull. However, it can actually be a really beneficial time of the year to study animal needs and the components of habitats. Think about it: during a time of scarcity, there are still animals that are active and surviving. Why not investigate what they're finding that keeps them alive?

Press play to hear descriptions for an animal signs hike for kindergarteners and a habitat safari for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to animal needs and habitats, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.

Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:

1. K-ESS3-1: Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
2. 3-LS4-1: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

Resources mentioned 💚

1. Episode 51: Adapting - Naturally Teaching Elementary Updates and Goals
2. Episode 55: 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged Students
3. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
4. “Over and Under the Snow” Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade
5. “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal Adaptations

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode56

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The extreme weather of winter makes you wonder what animals are crazy enough to endure and survive it. Animals are active in winter, whether we see them or not, and the animals that are awake leave behind traces and clues that can be found. These little gems can be just the hook your learners need to pursue amazing inquiry driven studies.

Books are a great way to introduce animal signs in winter and to encourage the development of observational skills. In this episode, I give you a brief summary of books about animals in winter and my thoughts on how they can help you with your students.

Books in this episode 📚

1. In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? By Lindsay Barrett George
2. Big Tracks, Little Tracks by Millicent E. Selsam, illustrated by Marlene Hill Donnelly
3. Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
4. Track That Scat! by Lisa Morlock, illustrated by Carrie Ann Bradshaw
5. Whose Track is That? by Stan Tekiela
6. Animal Tracks Activity Book by Brett Ortler, illustrated by Shane Nitzsche, Anna Christenson, Julie Martinez, and Bruce Wilson

(Disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you)

Resources mentioned 💚

1. “Teaching with Books: How to Integrate Science and Literacy for Elementary Classrooms.”
2. Ep. 34: 9 Winter Picture Books to Help You Introduce Seasonal Signs, Snow, and Animals in Winter
3. 16 Wonderful Children’s Books About Winter for Elementary Teachers
4. “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal Adaptations

Urban schools and outdoor education don't seem to go hand-in-hand, but outdoor education has its place in every.single.school! If you teach in an urban school and you don't think you have what you need to take your kids outside for learning, this is the episode for you!

Press play to hear about three different ways you can access nature in urban settings near you. Give your students the gift of less stress, more focus, better health, better academic performance, and more by learning how you can incorporate nature into your urban classroom.

Resources mentioned 💚

1. Garden Grants and Plans: Where to Look for Funding and How to Prepare for Success
2. A Raising Butterflies Kit for the Classroom: A Conservation Conversation
3. Episode 20: 6 Animal Migration Activities for Elementary Classrooms
4. Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside
5. Episode 23: Planning a Field Trip made Easier with Education Director James Dake

Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode54

🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index

🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching

💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com

📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching

💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching