Kete Tuatahi

All About Animals

This learning kete introduces tamariki to foundational knowledge about animals. Tamariki will be learning to identify and name a variety of different types of animals, their facial features and body parts. Tamariki will develop a connection between themselves, their bodies and the bodies of non-human animals. They will be exploring how to interact with and care for other living creatures and learn about life cycles. They will also have the opportunity to share their prior knowledge and experience of companion animals through a range of communication mediums.

What am I?

Throughout these learning experiences tamariki will learn to identify and name a variety of different companion, farmed and wildlife animals, notice and compare similarities and differences between them and start to consider their needs. Through fun and meaningful learning experiences, tamariki will be introduced to correct terminology, learn interesting facts and start to build connections between themselves and non-human animals.

Kete Resources and Suggested Experiences:

Animal Cards – sorting, matching, acting, kōrero
So I asked My Mum – Magnetic Story – storytelling
Companion Animal Chart – survey recording, literacy, maths
Animal Puppets - puppet show

Created on: 8/04/2024 3:02:59 PM Modified on: 8/04/2024 3:08:23 PM

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Who am I?

Tamariki are naturally fascinated by animals and for our younger tamariki this often includes a particular curiosity towards animals’ eyes, whiskers, feet and tails. It is important for tamariki to learn how to be gentle and respectful towards animals to ensure every interaction is positive for both te tamaiti and the animal. Throughout these learning experiences tamariki will be learning to identify and name animal facial features and body parts, and will develop an understanding of their different functions. The learning experiences will support tamariki in making connections between their own bodies and those of animals and, with the support of kaiako, tamariki will learn how to have positive, gentle and empathetic interactions with animals.

Kete Resources and Suggested Experiences:

Body Part Bingo Cards
Animal Fact Sheet - kōrero
Head Tail Paws and Claws song sheets – music and movement
Animal Mats - playdough

Created on: 8/04/2024 3:10:28 PM

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Are you my Mum?

It is important for tamariki to learn about animal life cycles, birth, aging, reproduction and death, as it is a natural part of life for all living creatures. Learning about animal life cycles helps tamariki to better understand the motions of life, develop respect for all living creatures and form connections between themselves and non-human animals. This learning will also support tamariki in times where they experience first-hand a birth or death of a loved one, human or non-human animal. Throughout these learning experiences tamariki will be learning to identify and name baby animals, describe differences and similarities between adult and baby animals and explore the needs of human and non-human baby animals.

Kete Resources and Suggested Experiences:

Animal Offspring Threading Boards
Animal Terms - kōrero
Baby Photo Wall – connections and belonging
Quirky Animal Drawing – art and creativity
Baby Needs Comparison Table – kōrero
Storybook: Are you ready for me? By Claire Buchwald – story time

Created on: 8/04/2024 3:13:53 PM

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My Companion Animal

Many tamariki will have a special animal in their lives. They may live with a companion animal or their ECE setting, whānau, friends or neighbours may have an animal/s. Interactions with these animals can provide countless teaching and learning opportunities and more often than not tamariki are excited to share their learning with others. These learning experiences provide tamariki with the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience of an animal/s with others through a range of communication skills, including illustration, oral language, text and symbols. These experiences help tamariki to strengthen their sense of belonging and connection between home and the ECE setting.

Kete Resources and Suggested Experiences:

Companion Animal Profile – Art, literacy, kōrero and belonging

Created on: 8/04/2024 3:16:27 PM

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What am I?