Wild Animal Discovery

Lesson Overview

Year Level: Preschool
Subject: Social Sciences
Curriculum Area: Te Whāriki – He Whāriki Mātauranga mō ngā Mokopuna o Aotearoa
Strand: Exploration – Mana Aotūroa
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 20 students

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Recognise and name at least three wild animals.
• Identify basic features (fur, feathers, scales) and habitats (forest, ocean, savannah) of different wild animals.
• Begin to develop curiosity and awareness of animals in New Zealand and around the world.

Resources Needed

• Large printed photos of wild animals (lion, elephant, kiwi, dolphin, giraffe, tuatara)
• Plush toy animals (or laminated animal cut-outs)
• A short, engaging video of wild animals in their natural environments
• Background nature sounds (forest, jungle, ocean)
• A blanket and soft cushions for "Animal Story Corner"

Lesson Breakdown

1. Whakawhanaungatanga | Welcome & Settling In (5 minutes)

• Greet children warmly in te reo Māori: “Mōrena, tamariki mā! Kei te pehea koe?”
• Gather students in a circle and introduce today’s theme: “Today, we are going on a wild animal adventure!”
• Use an animal puppet to introduce the topic—“Kia ora, I’m Tama the Tīeke! Let’s explore the world of wild animals together!”

2. Interactive Animal Exploration (10 minutes)

• Show printed pictures of different wild animals one at a time.
• Ask leading questions:
  • “What do you think this animal is called?”
  • “Where do you think it lives?”
  • “What do you notice about its body?” (fur, feathers, big ears, sharp claws, long neck)
• Play background sounds of different habitats as clues (ocean waves for dolphins, jungle sounds for lions).
• Encourage students to imitate the animals—how they move and the sounds they make.

3. Animal Video & Discussion (5 minutes)

• Play a short wildlife video (2–3 minutes) showcasing animals in their natural habitat (forest, ocean, and savannah).
• Pause the video to discuss key visuals and ask:
  • “Did you see the animal hunting, climbing, or swimming?”
  • “Which animal did you like the most?”

4. Animal Story Corner (7 minutes)

• Invite children to a cosy storytelling space with cushions.
• Read a simple picture book about wild animals (e.g., “Kaha the Kea” or “The Hungry Lion”).
• Encourage children to interact by making animal sounds when certain animals appear in the book.

5. Wrap-Up & Reflection (3 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle and ask:
  • “What was your favourite animal today?”
  • “If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be?”
• Close with a fun animal song like “The Animals in the Jungle” (to the tune of The Wheels on the Bus).
• Say “Ka kite anō!” and let children roar, squeak, or flap like their favourite animal as they leave.

Teacher Notes

• Encourage use of te reo Māori where possible (ruru – owl, kekeno – seal, ngeru – cat).
• Ensure all students have a chance to participate, especially quieter ones who may prefer to observe first.
• If children seem especially engaged with a certain animal, consider extending discussion or using it as a focus for the next lesson.

Next Lesson Preview

Lesson 2: Where Do Wild Animals Live?

• Exploring different habitats (forest, ocean, desert) through sensory play.
• Creating a simple "habitat collage" with natural materials.