filter image

Using animal classification resources to encourage belonging in Early Learning

Profile:
Children are naturally drawn to most animals and have an affinity for them. When considering how important they can be and what they may represent to children, there is an opportunity to incorporate some of their unique characteristics into many areas of

Written by: Early Educational Advisor - Jo Harris  

Children are naturally drawn to most animals and have an affinity for them. When considering how important they can be and what they may represent to children, there is an opportunity to incorporate some of their unique characteristics into many areas of the planning program. 

 

Animal families are often classified through groups by their physical characteristics or specific needs for where they live and why. Animals are regularly featured in stories and songs to tell stories with moral messages linked to belonging that resonate with children. 

Nurturing a sense of belonging can be simplified by educators creating play spaces that include activities in which discussions can focus on elements of care displayed in the animal kingdom, which are transferable to human communities as well. Relying on their natural instincts, they can teach us important lessons about the need for trust and cooperation to live harmoniously.

Feeling included is a vitally important emotion as children learn to navigate their learning environment. Playing matching games helps children develop skills such as discernment and observation. When they look closely at the characteristics of animals, they may notice more similarities than differences between them. 

Adding 3d animal figures, alongside this activity for children to explore can be used to compare and study their features more closely. Xrays can be added to a lightbox for further investigation as well as paint stampers for a painting activity. 

 

These can all form the basis for discussions during small and large groups in which children are encouraged to notice similarities and differences which can lead to a sense of compassion, understanding, and appreciation of the uniqueness of all members of the group. 

Adding animal-printed pattern paper to a collage table can encourage children to learn even more about animals which prompt reflective thinking and conversations.

Providing scissors for both left and right-handed users is made easier with colour identification. Green-handled scissors are for left-handers and mulitcoloured for ambidextrous users. 

It is important for children to feel that they have access to resources that are physically comfortable to support their feelings of belonging which instills confidence and willingness to participate fully within a program. 

Watching educators and other adults who are also left-handed or ambidextrous allows children to learn more about the diverse needs of learners in the group. 

Papoose’s book and characters are set to tell the stories of 6 different animals that children can easily relate to. In the story of Lucky the Lucky Duck, the main character learns about friendship when he gets separated from his family. 

The stories could be re-told and recreated by adding wooden family members to add more language and characters that are personal to the children. 

For more ideas and suggestions that support a sense of belonging please visit bellbird.com.au 

 

Related Articles

  • filter image

    Nurturing and Building Relationships with Natural Playspaces

    Learning about relationships can be simplified by focusing on the ever-changing cycles of the natural world. These can provide a metaphor for the importance of this within our human relationships.
    Read more
  • filter image

    Three R’s of Sustainability: Reduce, reuse, and recycle

    Teaching children about the environment and understanding how it works is an opportunity to also teach them about sustainability.
    Read more