PENGUINS!

Baby, it's cold outside. So it is time to learn about some animals that love the cold! What better animal than the penguin?!

This week we are doing all things PENGUIN!

For this unit I created this little research book. So what is inside our research book? Lets take a look!

First thing we did was make a list of all of the things we already know about penguins and included it on their KWL. [I am also recording on the smart board the same sheets they are using.] 

From there we began reading about penguins and working our way through the book during the week. 

During our writing center I modified this awesome snow globe writing activity from The Science Penguin. Get her FREEBIE here.

On the cover I had the students illustrate a setting for the penguin based on their habitat. 

Then on the next page they had to write about where penguins live. It turned out super cute!

During the week we read Tacky the Penguin. Tacky is an eccentric penguin that others find odd, until he saves the day! The craft that I use for Tacky is no longer available. Here is another that may be useful for you. In my book I have a page to compare and contrast Tacky with a real penguin.

 

To bring it all together we did a little science exploration. We used a blubber glove to experience how animals stay warm in the arctic. And practiced passing a ball "our egg" to each other on our feet. 

Oh, and don't worry - they all got to compare themselves to the size of an emperor penguin. We then had three groups, as tall as, shorter than, and taller than. Quick five minute activity that they LOVED!

I hope some of these activities are useful for you and your own penguin studies! {One modification I would make for next year is to have them draw their own penguins inside the snow globe.}

Don't forget you can grab my research book here. I can honestly say that I loved this week! And my students were really excited about it as well! 

Happy Teaching!

Update!

I have now updated this product to be digital! This is a perfect way to integrate technology into your classroom.  Be sure to check it out here!