Autumn Squirrels Discovery

Overview

This 30-minute lesson introduces preschool children (age 3-5) to squirrels in autumn, focusing on how acorns grow, squirrels' role in the life cycle of oak trees, and the differences between grey and red squirrels. The lesson aligns with the IE Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, fostering curiosity, language development, and early science exploration through sensory, narrative, and collaborative activities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, children will:

Understand that acorns grow on oak trees and know the role squirrels play in helping new trees grow (Strand: Understanding My World - Science and Environment, Early Level).
Identify simple differences between grey and red squirrels (e.g., colour, size) (Strand: Language & Communication - Early Level).
Demonstrate respect and curiosity about living creatures and their environment (Strand: Wellbeing - Early Level).
Engage in cooperative play and express observations with peers and adults (Strand: Identity and Belonging - Early Level).

Materials

Real acorns (or high-quality, realistic plastic replicas)
Squirrel plush toys (one grey, one red)
Large paper oak tree cut-out with slots for attaching acorns
Picture cards showing grey and red squirrels, acorns, oak trees
Natural autumn items (leaves, pine cones) for sensory exploration
Storybook or short poem about squirrels in autumn
Sorting trays
Large whiteboard or chart paper and markers

Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Sensory Engagement (5 minutes)

Gather children in a circle; invite them to explore autumn items (leaves, acorns, pine cones).
Use open-ended questions: "What do you feel? What do these remind you of?"
Introduce the topic: "Today we are going to learn about squirrels and acorns - who helps the oak trees grow in the autumn!"
Reference IE Curriculum: Supports Development of Curiosity and Wonder, Communication through Exploration (Language & Communication Strand).

2. Story and Discussion (7 minutes)

Read a simple story or poem featuring red and grey squirrels gathering acorns for winter.
Use picture cards to visually distinguish red and grey squirrels, emphasising colour and size differences.
Engage children with questions:
- "Which squirrel is red? Which is grey?"
- "Why do squirrels collect acorns?"
Link to Learning Objective: Developing Understanding of Living Things and Their Environment (Understanding My World Strand).

3. Interactive Oak Tree and Acorn Activity (10 minutes)

Show the large paper oak tree with empty slots for acorns.
Give children acorns to ‘plant’ by placing them in the tree slots. Explain:
- "When squirrels hide acorns, sometimes they forget, and these grow into new oak trees!"
Role-play with squirrel plush toys: one child acts as a red squirrel, another as a grey squirrel; demonstrate hiding acorns around the room.
Invite children to join in hiding and finding acorns, promoting physical movement and group cooperation.
Aligns with IE Curriculum Competencies in Early Level: Making Sense and Exploring, Physical Development and Wellbeing.

4. Sorting Game: Grey vs Red (5 minutes)

Using squirrel picture cards, ask children to help sort images into two groups: grey squirrels and red squirrels.
Emphasise observing differences and using simple descriptive language.
Encourage peer support and sharing observations.
Supports Early Level Language & Communication and Identity and Belonging strands.

5. Reflection and Goodbye (3 minutes)

Circle time recap: ask children what they learned about squirrels and acorns.
Sing a short, simple song or rhyme about squirrels and autumn leaves (invite children to clap or use body percussion).
Reinforce respect for nature and living creatures.
Praise children for sharing and participating.
Concludes with Wellbeing Strand: Emotional Competence and Respect for Others and the Environment.

Assessment & Evaluation

Observe children’s participation in discussions and activities; note use of vocabulary (e.g., "acorn", "grey squirrel", "hide").
Check ability to distinguish between the two squirrel types during sorting activity.
Evaluate cooperation and social engagement during role play and group tasks.
Use formative assessment through questioning and observation, in line with ongoing evaluations recommended by the IE Early Childhood Curriculum Framework.

Differentiation

Provide additional visual supports and model language for children with emerging verbal skills.
For more advanced learners, encourage guessing why squirrels forget their acorns and how this helps nature.
Adapt movement activities for children with physical needs by offering seated roles or hand motions during the role play.

Extensions for Home or Follow-Up Activities

Suggest parents take children on a nature walk to look for oak trees, acorns or squirrels.
Provide simple colouring sheets of red and grey squirrels with fun facts.
Create a seasonal nature table in the classroom with collected autumn treasures for ongoing exploration.

This lesson combines sensory play, storytelling, dramatic role play, and sorting to create a memorable, age-appropriate exploration of the natural world, fully aligned with the IE Early Childhood Curriculum’s focus on curiosity, communication, wellbeing, and understanding of the environment.