A guide for using our resources

Children will explore penguin adaptations.

Vocabulary: bristles, claws, feathers, goggles, sharp

Science Focus: animal adaptations

  1. Watch a Video:

    World of Penguins

     

  2. Read the Issue:

    Penguins Don’t Need Snow Boots!

     

  3. Play a Game:

    Pick a Penguin

    Skill: letters and sounds

     

  4. Complete Skill Sheets

    Show What You Know

    Skill: comprehension


    Parts of a Penguin

    Skill: labeling

     

  5. Lesson Boosters

  • Paired Text:
    Penguin Problems by Jory John

     

  • Class Brainstorm: 
    Make a T-Chart

     

  • Scavenger Hunt: 
    Pages 2-3

     

  • Hands-on Activity: 
    Paper Plate Penguins

     

  • More Extension Ideas From Our Archives: See the digital issue page to get your packet!

     

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RF.K.3.A letters and sounds, RI.K.1 key details, RI.K.7 use visuals, RL.K.1 key details (literature), W.K.8 writing

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

Paired Text: Penguin Problems by Jory John

  • The penguin in this story sure does complain a lot!
  • The walrus gives him a new perspective . . . but will it last?

Class Brainstorm: Make a T-Chart

  • Read aloud the Talk About It question on page 3. Make a T-Chart, labeling the left side People and the right side Penguins.
  • First, focus on coats. Why do people need them? In the People column, write need coats to stay warm. Why don’t penguins need them? In the Penguins column, write have feathers to stay warm.
  • Use the same procedure to fill in the chart for goggles and forks.

Scavenger Hunt: Pages 2-3

  • Use pages 2-3 of the issue to do this scavenger hunt as a group.

1. What kind of penguin is in the blue box? Circle the label that tells you.

2. Find the picture that shows two penguin chicks. Put a ✓on it.

3. Find the heading of the article. Underline it.

4. Look at the penguin in the red box. Circle the part of the penguin that has bristles.

Hands-on Activity: Paper Plate Penguins

Skills: following directions, writing

Materials: Paper Plate Penguins skill sheets, paper plates, scissors, paste, crayons

  • Give each child the skills sheets and a paper plate. Have kids cut out the head and attach it to the top of a paper plate. They can attach googly eyes or draw eyes.
  • Next, have kids cut out the beak and feet and color them orange. Kids should attach the beak under the eyes and the feet to the bottom of the plate. To create wings, they can simply color each side of the plate with a black marker.
  • Last, have children complete the sentence in the fact circle. They can use information from the magazine. Glue the circles to the center of the plates.
  • For fun, kids can have a “penguin parade” around the classroom before reading their facts to the group. Then post kids’ work for an adorable display!