Animal Storytime takes place on the carpet in our colourful Activity Den. The children will be invited to listen and join in as we tell a story all about animals they can see at the zoo.
Children build the lively story with actions, answers and songs - adults are encouraged to join in too!
Age group: Nursery and Reception (Foundation 1&2, Ages 3 – 5)
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Capacity: 35 pupils
Learning Space: Activity Den
Early Years Foundation Stage Framework links:
- Communication and Language
- Listen to stories, accurately anticipate key events and respond to what they hear with relevant comments, questions and actions
- Understanding the world
- Make observations of animals and plants, and talk about changes
Intended learning outcomes:
Pupils will be able to:
- Identify common animals they will see at the zoo.
- Join in with appropriate noises and movements while listening to a story
For this session:
Before your visit:
- Use this Zoo Challenge worksheet to encourage pupils to look more carefully at the animals in the Zoo:
Pre-visit animal story time 2015 (438.04 KB) - Ask the children to consider which animals they will see at the zoo, and share what they know about these animals already (e.g. their noises, colours, what they like to eat). Plan a route around the zoo to take in their favourite animals.
While at the Zoo:
- Use this Zoo Challenge worksheet to encourage pupils to look more carefully at the animals in the Zoo: Pre-visit animal story time 2015 (438.04 KB)
- There are lots of animals in the zoo that might pop up in our animal story time. Make sure you visit some of these on your journey around the zoo.
| Animal | Location |
| Frogs, crocodiles and other amphibians and reptiles | Reptile House |
| Giraffes, hunting dogs, warthogs and zebras | Into Africa |
| Aadvarks, porcupines and meerktas | Animal Adventure |
| Gorillas and monkeys | Gorilla Kingdom |
| Lions | Lions (Closed until spring 2016) |
After your visit:
- Make a list of the animals you saw at the Zoo and create your own story as a class. Get the children to add sound effects and actions.
