Unit of Work

Literacy, Numeracy, Science

Theme: Zoo
Subjects covered	Activities	Resources	Differentiation
Literacy	Read a book about zoo animals and discuss the characters and setting. Create a class story about a visit to the zoo, with each student contributing a sentence. Write and draw about their favorite zoo animal.	Zoo animal books Whiteboard and markers Drawing materials	Provide picture support for students with lower literacy levels. Encourage more advanced students to write longer sentences or paragraphs.
Numeracy	Count and sort toy zoo animals by type or color. Estimate and measure the length or height of different zoo animals using non-standard units. Create a graph to represent the favorite zoo animals in the class.	Toy zoo animals Non-standard measurement tools (e.g., blocks, paperclips) Chart paper and markers	Provide additional support for counting and sorting for students who need it. Challenge advanced students to use standard units of measurement.
Science	Learn about different zoo animals and their natural habitats. Observe and discuss the features and characteristics of different zoo animals. Explore the food chain by examining the diet of various zoo animals.	Zoo animal fact sheets or books Pictures or stuffed animals representing different zoo animals Food chain diagram or poster	Provide visual aids and hands-on materials for students with lower understanding. Encourage higher-level thinking by asking open-ended questions about animal adaptations.

Arts Subjects

Subjects covered	Activities	Resources	Differentiation
Visual Arts	Create paper plate animal masks Design and paint animal murals Make animal collages using different materials	Paper plates, paint, brushes, glue, colored paper Large paper, paints, brushes Magazines, scissors, glue, colored paper	Provide templates for masks to support fine motor skills Offer a range of art materials to cater to different preferences Provide visual aids for collage ideas
Music	Sing and learn animal-themed songs Create animal sound effects using percussion instruments Improvise animal-inspired movements to music	Animal song recordings or lyrics Percussion instruments (drums, shakers, etc.) Open space for movement	Provide visual aids with song lyrics for reading support Offer a variety of percussion instruments for different abilities Allow for individual or group movement options
Drama	Act out animal stories or create improvised animal scenes Play animal charades Create animal puppets and put on a puppet show	Picture books with animal stories Animal charades cards or prompts Paper bags, markers, craft materials	Provide visual aids for story acting Offer different levels of difficulty in charades prompts Support puppet making for children with fine motor challenges
Dance	Learn and perform animal-themed dance routines Imitate animal movements and create a group dance Follow a dance routine based on an animal story	Animal-themed dance videos or music Open space for movement Animal storybooks	Provide visual cues or videos for dance routines Allow for individual or group dance options Adapt movements to suit different abilities
English	Read animal-themed books and discuss the stories Write and illustrate a short story about a zoo visit Practice letter recognition and phonics using animal flashcards	Animal storybooks Blank storybooks, pencils, crayons Animal flashcards or picture cards	Provide varied reading materials for different reading levels Support writing with visual prompts and space for illustration Offer different levels of difficulty in flashcards

Station Ideas

Zoo Theme Stations for Junior Infants

Station 1: Animal Sorting
- Sort pictures of animals into different categories (e.g., mammals, birds, reptiles)
- Discuss the characteristics of each category
- Encourage students to talk about their favorite animals
Station 2: Zoo Puzzles
- Provide jigsaw puzzles featuring zoo animals for students to solve
- Encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills
Station 3: Animal Sounds
- Play audio recordings of various animal sounds
- Ask students to identify the animal making the sound
- Discuss the different sounds animals make
Station 4: Animal Habitat
- Provide toy animals and small playsets representing different habitats (e.g., jungle, savannah, polar regions)
- Encourage students to create their own animal stories and habitats
Station 5: Zoo Role Play
- Set up a small area with costumes and props for students to pretend to be zookeepers, visitors, or animals
- Encourage imaginative play and storytelling
Station 6: Animal Tracing
- Provide animal-themed tracing sheets and crayons
- Help students practice their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
Station 7: Animal Books
- Set up a cozy reading corner with books about zoo animals
- Encourage students to explore the books independently or with a partner
Station 8: Animal Movement
- Play music and encourage students to move like different animals (e.g., walk like a lion, hop like a kangaroo)
- Discuss how different animals move and why

Story Time

Once Upon a Time in the Zoo

Once upon a time, in a magical land, there was a wonderful zoo. The zoo was filled with all kinds of amazing animals. There were lions with big, golden manes, elephants with long trunks, and even cheeky monkeys that loved to swing from tree to tree.

Every day, children from all over the world would visit the zoo and marvel at the incredible animals. They would learn about their habitats, what they liked to eat, and how they played. The zoo was like a big classroom where children could learn about the wonders of nature.

One sunny morning, as the children arrived at the zoo, they noticed something strange. The animals were acting differently than usual. The lions were pacing back and forth, the elephants were trumpeting loudly, and the monkeys were huddled together, chattering away.

The children were worried and wondered what was happening. They decided to ask the zookeeper, Mr. Johnson, if he knew why the animals were behaving so strangely.

Mr. Johnson, a kind and wise man, smiled and explained, "You see, children, today is a very special day. It's the zoo's anniversary, and the animals are getting ready to put on a grand celebration. They want to show everyone just how amazing they are!"

The children's eyes lit up with excitement. They couldn't wait to see what the animals had planned for their special day. Mr. Johnson led the children to the main stage, where a big sign read, "The Great Animal Show."

As the show began, the lions roared loudly, showing off their bravery. The elephants trumpeted with their trunks held high, displaying their strength. The monkeys swung from tree to tree, doing playful tricks that made everyone laugh.

The children clapped and cheered, amazed by the incredible talents of the animals. They realized that even though the animals lived in the zoo, they were still wild and full of wonder.

After the show, the children had the opportunity to meet some of the animals up close. They petted a fluffy baby lion, fed bananas to the friendly elephants, and even had a monkey sit on their shoulder.

The children were filled with joy and gratitude for the amazing experience. They thanked Mr. Johnson and promised to always remember the incredible animals they had met at the zoo.

From that day on, the children visited the zoo regularly, always excited to learn something new about the animals and their habitats. They understood the importance of protecting and caring for all creatures, big and small.

The end.