Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to distinguish between living and non-living things, understand basic characteristics of each, and identify examples from their surroundings.

Materials and Prep

• None required for this lesson.

Before starting the lesson, it may be helpful to think of examples of living and non-living things that the student can relate to, such as pets, plants, toys, and rocks.

Activities

• Nature Walk:

  Take a short walk outside and look for examples of living and non-living things. Encourage the student to point out what they see and classify them together.

• Sorting Game:

  Gather a few items from around the house (like a toy, a leaf, a rock, and a stuffed animal) and have the student sort them into two groups: living and non-living.

• Art Time:

  Have the student draw or color pictures of one living thing and one non-living thing. Discuss the characteristics of each as they create their artwork.

• Story Time:

  Read a short story or make up a story that includes both living and non-living things. Ask questions about the characters and objects in the story.

Talking Points

• "What do you think makes something alive? Can it move on its own?"
• "Living things need food, water, and air. Can you think of something that needs those things?"
• "Non-living things do not grow or change. Can you find something around us that doesn’t change?"
• "Let’s look at your drawing! What is your living thing? How does it live? What is your non-living thing? How does it help us?"