Animal Tracks Booklets

A new work in the classroom this week was Animal Tracks booklets.  To make these I used the free Animal Tracks download from Montessori For Everyone.  (It is listed under "Zoology" on the Free Downloads page......THANKS, Lori!)

I introduced this work at group time and showed the children each animal and the track it makes.  We talked about which animal tracks we might commonly see here in Iowa and those we would probably NOT see.  During the work period, the children can choose to make a booklet if they wish.

Below you can see how I've set this activity up in the classroom.  The materials are on top of a shelf with control cards attached to the back of the shelf.  To do this work, the children sit at the two white tables right next to shelf.

 

I made up a set of animal tracks booklets using the free downloads as masters........and also a cutting page with the animal tracks (reduced to 80% on the copier).

 

Also on the shelf is a basket with 2 pair of scissors, 2 gluesticks and 2 gluing mats.  In between the tray with booklets/cutting pages and the basket of materials is a little jar with pencils for the child to write their name on the booklet.

 

Here's a close-up of the laminated cards (from the download) attached to the back of the shelf.

 

The next photo shows a page from inside the booklets.  The animal photo is on the left with a blank area to the right for the child to cut and paste the corresponding animal track. 

 

I did not get any "action" photos of children making the book.  I know some of you will ask for a master copy for the booklets.  This is one of those times when I am going to just encourage you to go to Lori's site and download and print the files for yourself.  With some simple (yes, also time-consuming) cutting and pasting and copying on your part, you'll be able to replicate what I've done.  I hope you understand.  :-)

Comments

[Laura]

Thats an awesome idea. Thanks so much for sharing it.Ill bet that all the kiddos at the party had a blast!
Take care,
Laura

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[Carla]

I used your idea for a birthday party activity! After making the books, we took them with us on a hike through woods to a large stream and let the kids identify raccoon, deer, and dog tracks. Thanks so much for sharing this!

[Laura]

Great, Lori. Im so glad you liked it!
Take care,
Laura

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[Lori]

This is one of the best ideas I've seen in a long time. I can't wait to share it with my boys. They are going to love it!

[Laura]

Thanks, Lori!! Glad you approve of howI used it!! :-)

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[Lori]

I love it! What a creative use of our file. Thanks for sharing!

[Laura]

Thanks, Gigi. You too!

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[Gigi]

I love the book idea. You always come up with the best ideas!

[Laura]

Thanks, Candace. Im glad you can use this idea.Thanks for the shoutout on Facebook andTwitter. Im not on either, so I wont be able to see it, but I do appreciate it.
Laura

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[Laura]

Great! Im glad you like it!!

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[Cindy]

Love this! Doing it with my PKer. :o)

[Laura]

Great, Stacy!!

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[Stacy]

Thanks! We will definitely use these for our current study of mammals.