Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand the concept of hibernation and apply basic math skills in counting and sorting related to hibernating animals.

Materials and Prep

• Stuffed animals or pictures of hibernating animals (e.g., bear, squirrel, hedgehog)
• Counting objects (e.g., acorns, leaves, rocks)
• Large sheet of paper or whiteboard
• Markers or crayons

Activities

• Activity 1: Hibernation Sorting

Ask the student to sort the stuffed animals or pictures into two groups: hibernating animals and non-hibernating animals. Discuss why certain animals hibernate and what they do during hibernation.

• Activity 2: Counting Hibernating Animals

Place a pile of counting objects (e.g., acorns) next to each hibernating animal. Encourage the student to count how many objects are with each animal and practice counting aloud.

• Activity 3: Hibernation Art

Provide the student with a large sheet of paper or a whiteboard. Ask them to draw or trace hibernating animals and decorate the scene with markers or crayons. Discuss the different features of each animal as they draw.

Talking Points

• "Hibernation is when some animals sleep for a long time during the winter."
• "During hibernation, animals find a safe place to sleep, like a cave or a cozy den."
• "Some animals eat a lot before hibernation to store food in their bodies."
• "Let's count how many acorns are with the bear. One, two, three! That's three acorns."
• "Can you help me sort these animals? Which ones hibernate and which ones don't?"
• "What colors do you want to use to draw the hibernating animals? Let's make them look cozy and warm."