Presentation

  1. 1

    Ask: 'Where do you live? Why do people need homes?'

  2. 2

    Show the bird and the nest: 'A bird lives in a nest. It keeps the eggs safe and warm.'

  3. 3

    Show the bee and the hive, and the rabbit and the burrow, naming each.

  4. 4

    Give a three-period lesson on the three homes.

  5. 5

    Mix the cards and invite the child to match animals to homes.

  6. 6

    Check with the control cards.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Add more pairs, including Utah animals: Utah prairie dog and burrow, beaver and lodge, honeybee and hive
  2. Look for animal homes on a nature walk
  3. Build a nest from twigs and grass
  4. Draw an animal in its home

Control of error

Control cards show each animal with its home; the matching pairs are marked on the back with the same symbol.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Matches at least six animals to their homes
  • Names the home for each animal
  • Explains why animals need homes

Guide note

Real bird nests can carry mites and are protected by law for native birds. Use a purchased or photographed nest.

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.