Duration: 45-60 minutes
Subjects: Science, Language Arts, Visual Arts
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify the basic needs that make a home for both humans and animals.
- Describe how animal homes meet these needs (shelter, safety, warmth, food, and water).
- Compare and contrast human and animal homes.
- Express their understanding through drawings and simple explanations.
Materials
- Drawing paper and crayons or markers
- Photos or short videos of animal homes (e.g. bird nests, beaver lodges, rabbit burrows, fox dens, ant hills)
- Whiteboard or chart paper for brainstorming
Curriculum Connections
Science:
- Needs and Characteristics of Living Things: Understanding what living things need to survive.
- Habitats and Communities: Exploring how animals adapt their homes to meet their needs.
Language Arts:
- Oral Communication: Sharing ideas and describing features of homes.
- Writing and Reading: Using descriptive words to label and explain drawings.
Visual Arts:
- Creating and Presenting: Drawing and representing ideas through art.
Terms
- Drawing paper and crayons or markers
- Photos or short videos of animal homes (e.g. bird nests, beaver lodges, rabbit burrows, fox dens, ant hills)
- Whiteboard or chart paper for brainstorming
Instructions
Introduction
Begin by asking: What do you need in your home to live comfortably? List ideas like bed, food, water, roof, family, warmth, safety.
Explain that all living things – people and animals – need homes to meet their basic needs.
Exploring Animal Homes
Show pictures or short videos of different animal homes:
- Beaver lodge: built for warmth and safety
- Bird nest: safe place to lay eggs
- Rabbit burrow: hidden shelter underground
- Bee hive: a place for work, food storage, and protection
Discuss how each home helps animals stay safe and meet their needs.
Ask: What’s the same about our homes and theirs? What’s different?
Brainstorming
On chart paper, draw two columns: My Home Needs |Animal Home Needs
As a class, fill in ideas together: Warmth, safety, protection, food, water, space for family
Circle the similarities between the two columns to show connection.
Drawing Activity
Give students paper and drawing tools.
Ask them to draw two homes on the same page:
- One showing their own home (or what they imagine as home)
- One showing an animal home of their choice.
Have them label important parts of each home (door, bed, nest, water area, etc.). Encourage creativity – the animal home could be realistic or imaginary.
Sharing and Reflection
Invite students to share their drawings in small groups or with the class.
Ask guiding questions:
- How is your home like the animal’s home?
- What makes both homes special or safe?
Reinforce the idea that all living things need homes that keep them safe and comfortable.
Extensions
Language Arts: Write a few sentences or a short story about ‘If I were an animal, my home would be…’
Science: Explore how seasons affect animal homes (e.g. hibernation, migration, rebuilding nests).
Art: Build a 3D model of an animal home using recycled materials or natural items.
Social Studies: Compare different types of human homes (apartments, cabins, houseboats) and discuss how people adapt to their environments too.
