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

• Paper
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Books or online resources about hibernation and animals in winter
• Optional: Stuffed animals representing hibernating animals

Activities

1. Read a book or watch a video about hibernation and animals in winter. Discuss what hibernation means and why animals hibernate.
2. Draw or color pictures of animals that hibernate during winter. Encourage creativity and ask the toddler to label each animal.
3. Play a game of "Guess the Hibernating Animal." Describe the characteristics of a hibernating animal and have the toddler guess which animal it is. Use visual cues or stuffed animals if available.
4. Ask the toddler to imagine they are a hibernating animal. Have them pretend to curl up in a cozy spot and act out sleeping peacefully during winter.
5. Wrap up the lesson by reviewing the animals discussed and their hibernation habits. Encourage the toddler to share what they have learned.

Toddler Grade Talking Points

• "Animals sleep a lot during winter, just like we sleep at night."
• "Some animals find a safe and cozy place to sleep during winter. This is called hibernation."
• "Hibernating animals store food in their bodies and use it to stay alive while they sleep."
• "Bears are one animal that hibernates. They find a cave or den and sleep for a long time."
• "Other animals that hibernate include squirrels, bats, and turtles."
• "Hibernating animals wake up when the weather gets warmer and food becomes available again."