Objective

By the end of this lesson, the preschool student 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 winter animals

Activities

1. Start by discussing with the student what hibernation is and why animals hibernate during winter. Use examples such as bears, bats, and hedgehogs.

2. Ask the student to draw and color their favorite hibernating animal.

3. Read a book or show online resources about different animals that hibernate. Discuss the characteristics and adaptations that help them survive during winter.

4. Play a game of "Guess the Hibernating Animal". Describe the characteristics and behaviors of a specific animal and have the student guess which animal it is.

5. Encourage the student to create a simple craft or diorama depicting a winter scene with hibernating animals.

Preschool Grade Talking Points

• "Hibernation is when some animals sleep for a long time during winter because it is too cold for them to find food."

• "Bears are one example of animals that hibernate. They find a cozy den and sleep until spring."

• "Bats also hibernate. They hang upside down in caves and sleep through the winter."

• "Hedgehogs curl up into a tight ball and sleep in piles of leaves or logs."

• "Can you draw and color your favorite hibernating animal? What do you think it does during winter?"

• "Some animals eat a lot of food before hibernating to store fat. This fat helps them survive without eating during winter."

• "Let's play a game! I will describe an animal, and you have to guess which animal it is. It's a hibernating animal that has sharp claws and loves to eat fish."

• "Animals that hibernate have special adaptations like thick fur or fat to keep them warm, and they slow down their heart rate and breathing."

• "Now, let's use our imagination and create a winter scene with hibernating animals. What animals do you want to include?"