Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the concept of hibernation and how animals adapt to winter.

Materials and Prep

• Picture books about hibernation and winter animals
• Whiteboard or large paper
• Markers or crayons
• Printed coloring pages of hibernating animals
• Optional: Stuffed animals representing hibernating animals

Activities

1. Read a picture book about hibernation together.

Choose a picture book that introduces the concept of hibernation and explains how different animals prepare for and survive winter. Discuss the main ideas and ask questions to ensure understanding.

2. Create a hibernation chart.

Draw a large chart on the whiteboard or paper with two columns: "Hibernating Animals" and "What They Do". Have the student contribute ideas and draw pictures of animals that hibernate, such as bears, bats, and groundhogs. Discuss what these animals do to prepare for hibernation, such as finding a cozy den or cave, eating a lot of food, and slowing down their body functions.

3. Coloring activity.

Print out coloring pages of hibernating animals and let the student color them. Encourage them to talk about the animals and their hibernation habits while coloring.

4. Optional: Hibernation role-play.

If you have stuffed animals representing hibernating animals, encourage the student to create a cozy hibernation space for them using pillows, blankets, and boxes. Talk about how the animals would prepare their sleeping area and what they would do inside during winter.

Preschool Grade Talking Points

• "Some animals sleep during the winter. It's called hibernation."
• "Hibernation helps animals survive when it's cold and there isn't much food."
• "Bears, bats, and groundhogs are some animals that hibernate."
• "Before hibernating, animals eat a lot of food to store energy."
• "During hibernation, animals sleep in cozy dens or caves."
• "They slow down their body functions, like their heart rate and breathing."
• "When winter is over and it gets warmer, hibernating animals wake up and come out of their dens."