Skip to main content

Zoo Keeping

Get the Book

Learn Every Day About Animals

Buy the Book
Learn Every Day About Animals

Materials

none

Instructions

* Write each child's name on a bag. Scatter cotton ball "nuts" around the
room.
What to Do
1. Explain that squirrels gather nuts and store them to eat throughout the winter
when food is scarce. Sometimes, squirrels don't find the nuts, and other
animals eat them or they grow into trees.
2. Give each child a bag.
3. Explain that the children will be squirrels. They will each gather 10 nuts. Hold
up a "nut," count "one" and put it in your bag. Once they have 10 nuts, they
must store their bag in a safe place such as their cubby or under their chair.
4. Let the children explore, and assist as needed.
5. Once the children store all the nuts, take a break to read a squirrel book
(see the list on this page). Sing the traditional song "Gray Squirrel" with the
children.
6. Ask the children to find their nut stores. Discuss whether they found all their
stores, or, like squirrels, misplaced some of them.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Are the children able to follow the instructions?
* Are the children able to pick up the nuts and store them in the bag?
* Are the children able to count to 10?

Elevate your lesson planning: Download this easy activity today!

Make the most of your instructional time with this fun and adaptable activity. Crafted from our experts in early childhood theory and best practice, this downloadable resource offers play-based activities that will help your students reach learning objectives.