A preschool lesson plan on reptiles is a fun theme that has lots of choices for program planning. It can be incorporated into a pet theme, or be extended with a dinosaur theme.
Fun Fact about Reptiles
Introduce the reptile theme at circle time. Collect some pictures of reptiles to show the children as well as providing these facts:
- reptiles are cold blooded
- they have scales
- they are among the longest living species on this planet
- they lay eggs
- reptiles come in all sizes and are found around the world
- types of reptiles are: alligators, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, turtles
Crafts for a Reptile Preschool Lesson Plan
A snake craft: this craft has two steps if paint is being used. The following material is required:
- paper plate
- brown paint, or brown felts
- scissors
- hole puncher
- string
- googly eyes
- black felt pen
Each child will paint or color his paper plate brown. If the paint is being used, then the plate has to dry before the next steps occur. If needed, the teacher can draw a spiral figure onto the plate for a visual cue. The plate will be cut in a spiral figure from outer to the middle, leaving a space for the head. The children can finish off their snake mobile with eyes and a smile and then string will be attached to the top.
Lizard Craft: Cut out a lizard shape from thick white or light brown paper, and provide children with brown and green tissue squares to clue onto the lizard to create the scales. This craft can also occur with the children tearing brown and green construction paper which is good for fine motor skill development
Preschool Songs for a Reptile Preschool Lesson Plan
The following song can be sung to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Reptiles they have many scales
Some reptiles have long long tails.
They lay eggs and like the sun.
Some have legs, and some have none.
Reptiles they have many scales
Some reptiles have long, long tails.
Some other well known songs that can be included in a reptile preschool lesson plan are "Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree" and "I Had a Little Turtle."
Preschool Activities for a Reptile Theme
The following list suggests that other activities that can be included into a reptile preschool lesson plan:
- Try playing the game, Duck, Duck, Goose but change the words to Snake, Snake, Lizard.
- Fill the sensory table with sand, wood and plastic snakes, lizards and turtles.
- Plan a Turtle Theme Day.
- Visit a pet store or invite any families that have reptiles as pets into the classroom for a visit.
Reptiles is a topic that is very popular with many four year olds, particularly boys, so planning a preschool lesson plan around this theme will definitely be enjoyed in a preschool setting.
Christine Moore - Early Childhood Educator, Preschool/Daycare Resources, Online Workshop Instructor, ECE, BGS
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