Lesson Plan: Hibernation
Subject: Reading
Grade: 3
Duration: 30 Minutes
Objective
Students will understand the concept of hibernation, recognize animals that hibernate, and explore the reasons behind this behavior.
Materials Needed
- Picture books about hibernation (e.g., "Bear Snores On" by Karma Wilson)
- Chart paper and markers
- Hibernation fact cards (prepared in advance)
- Worksheets for hibernation-related activities (provided)
- Crayons or colored pencils
Introduction (5 Minutes)
- Engage the Students:
Begin with a discussion about seasons. Ask, "What happens to some animals during winter?" Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences with winter and animals they have seen.
- Introduce Hibernation:
Explain the term "hibernation." Write it on the board and ask if anyone knows what it means. Provide a simple definition: “Hibernation is when some animals sleep for a long time during the winter to conserve energy.”
Direct Instruction (10 Minutes)
- Read Aloud:
Choose a picture book that discusses hibernation, such as "Bear Snores On." Read the story with enthusiasm, showing the illustrations as you go along. Pause to ask questions about the story, such as:
- "Why do you think Bear is sleeping?"
- "What do other animals do in the winter?"
- Discuss Key Animals:
After reading, introduce common hibernating animals (e.g., bears, groundhogs, and turtles). Use a chart to list these animals and brief facts or characteristics about hibernation for each one.
Group Activity (10 Minutes)
- Fact Card Sort:
Divide students into small groups. Hand out hibernation fact cards that include different animals and their hibernation habits. Each group will sort the cards into two categories: “Hibernates” and “Does Not Hibernate.”
- Share Findings:
After sorting, have each group share their findings with the class, highlighting one interesting fact about each hibernating animal.
Independent Activity (5 Minutes)
- Hibernation Illustration:
Instruct students to draw a picture of their favourite hibernating animal in its habitat. They should include elements that show it is winter (like snow or icicles) and write a sentence or two explaining why that animal hibernates.
Conclusion (5 Minutes)
- Summarize Learning:
Recap the key points about hibernation. Ask students the following:
- "What is hibernation?"
- "Name one animal that hibernates and why."
- Closure:
Encourage students to think about what they would do if they were to hibernate.
Assessment
- Use the completed worksheets and illustrations to assess students' understanding of hibernation and their ability to express ideas related to the topic.
Extensions
- For further exploration, consider introducing students to the concept of migration and how it differs from hibernation.
- Plan a nature walk (if possible) where students can look for evidence of animal habitats.
By the end of the lesson, students should have a clearer understanding of hibernation and be able to articulate why certain animals engage in this behaviour during the winter months.