Monday, August 29, 2011

Animal Classification



Today, we started talking about Animal Classification. To introduce the concept, each group was given 50 animal picture cards, 50 animal name cards, and title cards to help them classify. Sometimes as a teacher, I think that I understand what students understand. However, the students surprised me with their conversations as they were sorting their animals. During the activity, I could not assist the groups, because I wanted to see what they already knew.


Many of them would come to me with questions, but I would just refer them back to their group or ask them to look up their questions on a classroom computer. To help you understand, here are a couple of things that I heard as I walked around the room.

"A herring is a rabbit!
"Are you 100% sure?"
"Yes!" (Note: A herring is a fish.)

"Don't mammals lay eggs?" (Note: The Platypus does.)

"A snake doesn't have bones!"

This is why I teach! I love to hear what kids know and help guide them to what they could/should know.

For me, it was a fun activity! I just hope over the next week we will all understand Vertebrates and Invertebrates a little better.



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