Objective

By the end of this lesson, the toddler will be able to understand the concept of hibernation and identify animals that hibernate during winter.

Materials and Prep

• Pictures or drawings of hibernating animals
• A cozy blanket or sleeping bag
• A book about hibernation (optional)

Activities

1. Introduction: Begin by discussing the concept of winter and how it affects animals. Show pictures or drawings of animals that hibernate during winter.
2. Storytime: Read a book about hibernation or tell a simple story explaining the concept to the toddler. Use simple language and engage the child by asking questions throughout the story.
3. Role Play: Encourage the toddler to pretend to be a hibernating animal. Provide a cozy blanket or sleeping bag for them to curl up in. Discuss how hibernating animals sleep for a long time during winter.
4. Identifying Hibernating Animals: Show pictures or drawings of various animals and ask the toddler to identify which ones hibernate during winter. Discuss why these animals hibernate and what they do to prepare for hibernation.
5. Arts and Crafts: Have the toddler create their own hibernating animal using art supplies such as paper, crayons, and glue. Encourage them to be creative and explain why their animal would hibernate.

Toddler Grade Talking Points

• "In winter, it gets very cold outside, and some animals sleep for a very long time. This is called hibernation."
• "Hibernating animals find a safe place to sleep, like a cozy den or a cave."
• "They sleep for a long time because there is not a lot of food during winter, and it's too cold for them to find food."
• "Some animals that hibernate are bears, squirrels, and bats."
• "Before hibernating, animals eat a lot of food to get ready. They store the food as fat in their bodies, which helps them survive without eating for a long time."
• "When spring comes and it gets warmer outside, hibernating animals wake up and come out of their cozy homes."
• "Now, let's pretend to be a hibernating animal and curl up in this cozy blanket. Can you show me how a bear or a squirrel would sleep?"
• "Look at these pictures of animals. Can you tell me which ones hibernate during winter?"
• "Great job! Now, let's use our imagination and create our own hibernating animal. What colors and shapes will you use?"