Objective

By the end of this lesson, the toddler will be able to identify and describe various aspects of monkeys, including their appearance, habitat, and behaviors.

Materials and Prep

• Pictures or books about monkeys
• Whiteboard or large paper
• Markers or crayons

Activities

1. Show and Tell: Begin by showing the toddler pictures or reading books about monkeys. Discuss their appearance, such as their fur, tail, and facial features.
2. Monkey Drawing: Provide the toddler with a whiteboard or large paper and markers or crayons. Encourage them to draw their own monkey, emphasizing the different body parts and features they have learned about.
3. Monkey Actions: Engage the toddler in a fun activity where they imitate different monkey behaviors, such as swinging from imaginary trees, scratching their heads, or making monkey sounds.
4. Monkey Habitat: Discuss where monkeys live, such as in jungles, forests, or even zoos. Encourage the toddler to imagine what a monkey's habitat might look like and draw it on the whiteboard or paper.

Toddler Grade Talking Points

• "Monkeys are animals with fur, a long tail, and a funny face. Can you make a funny monkey face too?"
• "Let's draw a monkey together! Can you draw a big circle for its head and long lines for its arms and legs?"
• "Now, let's pretend to be monkeys! Can you swing your arms like a monkey swinging from a tree?"
• "Monkeys live in places called jungles or forests. Can you draw some trees and leaves for the monkey's habitat?"