Ideas for general learning activities

Emphasis for learning of Stage 1: Living and non-living things.

Living and non-living things

• Identify and classify things into living and non-living groups.
• Discuss: ‘What makes something a living thing?’

Living

How living things can be grouped into microorganisms, plants and animals

• Investigate the characteristics of plants (hyperlink to chart of differences)
• Investigate the characteristics of animals (hyperlink to chart of differences)
• Investigate the characteristics of microorganisms
• Discuss: ‘What are the differences between these three different living things, microoganisms, plants and animals?’

Microorganisms

• Investigate the different groups of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi (mushrooms, moulds, mildews), yeasts, algae

Plants

• Investigate the different groups of plants (mosses, ferns, woody and non-woody flowering plants)
• Compare plants that have different features and special needs.
• List the native plants that grow in the school area.
• Look at the kinds of plants in the school grounds.

Animals

• Investigate the different groups of animals (Worms, Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Birds, Fish, Insects) (hyperlink to Mini Beasts website)
• Collect pictures and make a chart to show these different groups.
• Record simple characteristics of each group. eg. General characteristics, structure, reproduction, food
• Discuss: ‘We are living things. Which group do we belong to?’

Exploring animal habitats

• Match pictures of animals with their natural habitats. (eg Frogs/water, ants/wood, birds/nests, lizards/rocks, bees/hive/nest and so on)
• Investigate where different animals find their food and water (including people)
• Find pictures, watch videos or explore internet sites (hyperlinks) to see how different animals (including people) construct their shelters.
• Share books, posters and internet sites to observe the differences in shelters in different environments. (hyperlink)
• Identify what materials were used in the construction of your home and/or school.
  Name any special features that help to keep your house or school cool and warm.

Individual Reflection

• Find a place in the garden where you can be comfortable. Reflect on the following:

What can you hear?
What can you see?
What things make you especially thankful?
After reflecting for a while you could respond to these ideas by writing in your Journal or sketching.

Back to For Teachers, Stage 1 Programme