Substitute Teacher Kit
A Visit to the Zoo (Grades 1-2)
Introduction
When you substitute in a year 1 or year 2 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
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What Am I? – Icebreaker If I Were an Animal – Icebreaker Invite Students to Become Zoo Animals – Icebreaker Classroom "Zoo Corner" Use Zoo Tickets to Reinforce Appropriate Behavior
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. • 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!" • 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."
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. • 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.
