Rhinos...

On Thursday our Mother Goose lesson was all about rhinos...

We stared out circle time by finding Egypt on the map.  We reviewed the parts of the map, where we live, and our continent song.  I introduced the kids to a new global friend from Egypt.  I downloaded a photo of petroglyphs (rock carvings) showing Egyptians hunting rhinos.  I explained that there are no longer rhinos in Egypt because of this.  Rhinos are almost extinct and only live in countries such as Senegal and Zimbabwe (we will learn about these places later this month).

I passed around the photo of petroglyphs and invited each child to say something he or she saw happening the carvings.

We sang a rhino call and response chant type song...

Mother Goose provided each child with their own sheet of safari animals (vocabulary builder cards)...

We the kids cut we discussed what animals we know have horns.  We also discussed why horns can be helpful for an animal.

We discussed the words and familiar letters on the vocabulary cards.  Then I taped one set of cards on the walls of the classrooms in different areas.  We took out our animal safari spinner.  The kids took turns spinning the spinner.  Then they moved like that animal over to the matching card on the wall...

Next, the kids wrote a letter to Mr. Rhino!  I encouraged them to write one question to the rhino.  They did a great job!!!

Would you like to have a horn on your body?  Why?

Mother Goose provided us with the following supplies for a rhino horn craft...

That is one sweet rhino...

Whoa!  He means business!

Our books for the day...

K brought this book in to share!  Thank you!

We discussed what rhinos do if they are in danger.  I explained that rhinos are aggressive (pushy) and often charge (run and crash into something) to protect their territory.  Mother Goose provided us with this new puzzle of rhinos...I attached magnets to the back and had the kids assemble the puzzle on a metal cookie sheet.

Which animals might go to a watering hole?  Why?

Mother Goose provided us with this fun new safari board game!

The kids worked on a letter Z page from their literacy workbook...

I also have to say these new safari toys have been a HUGE HIT!  They have been played with non stop all week! :)