Dear Families,
Our next unit of study is all about Pets. This next month we are going to learn about what the different types of pets are, what pets need, how pets make us feel, and the kinds of jobs that involve working with pets. We are excited to begin a study of pets and I think it will be engaging and fun!
To get our study going, we need your help to gather pet-related materials for the children to explore, such as different plastic or stuffed toy pets and books or pictures related to pets. Below is a list of suggested items, but you may also send in other items that you think may aid to our exploration. Please label all items with your name, so we can return them to you at the end of our study.
As we study pets, we will learn concepts and skills in the areas of literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. We’ll also develop thinking skills as we observe, investigate, ask questions, solve problems, make predictions, and test our ideas.
Objects
Cardboard shoeboxes
Grooming materials
Pet-food containers
Samples of dry pet food in air tight plastic containers
Pet-care books
Pictures of videos of children with pets
Pictures of videos of pets in everyday activities
Books about pet breeds
What You Can Do At Home
Notice pets in your community. Be on the lookout for pets at dog parks, on walks, in cars, and in homes. Ask to visit friends’ and families’ interesting pets. TAlk about the kinds of animals you and your child like. How does it make you feel to interact with a pet?
If you have a pet at home, invite your child to help care for the animal. Together, feed the pet and fill water containers. Talk about what, how often, and how much your pet eats and drinks. Invite children to watch as you clean the pet’s habitat or to help you groom the pet. Take photos or make video recordings of your child interacting with and helping care for the pet.
Look for books about pets at your local library, examine pet supplies at the grocery store, and watch how pets move and play. Invite your child to pretend to move or sound like different pets. Keep a tally of the pets you see each day. Look for pictures of pets on signs.
Throughout the month share photos and videos on SeeSaw so that your child can share about their experiences with their class. Thank you for playing an important role in our learning!
