Animals come in countless shapes and sizes from tiny insects to massive whales. Each play an essential role in the ecosystem, helping to maintain balance. Here are five days of reading lessons that explore the animals of the world.
Day 1 activity
 | Let’s watch: Shall We Dance?Watch the video Shall We Dance? to learn more about animal survival. |
Discuss the video
What behaviors do you notice in animals around you? If you had to make up a dance to communicate something, what would it look like?
 | Let’s read: Turning the Tide for Turtles |
 | QuizHow much do you know about Turning the Tide for Turtles? Take the quiz. Then, check your answers to the quiz. How did you do? |
 | Family supportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional review & extend activities together. |
Day 2 activity
| Let’s reread: Turning the Tide for Turtles |
Take it further
Choose an activity to extend the fun.
Project: Make a diagram
- Draw or paint a picture of a sea turtle on paper.
- Label the parts of the turtle: flipper, shell, beak, etc.
- Write a short description of each body part.
- Display your poster.
Response writing: Write a letter
- Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper.
- Try to persuade people to help sea turtles. Use information from the book to support your reasons.
| Family supportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional review & extend activities together. |
Day 3 activity
| Let’s watch: We Are Animals |
Discuss the video
What funny things do you notice animals doing, and why do you think they do them?
| Let’s read: Creature Features: Exploring Animal Characteristics |
| QuizHow much do you know about Creature Features? Take the quiz. Then, check your answers to the quiz. How did you do? |
| Family supportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional review & extend activities together. |
Day 4 activity
| Let’s reread: Creature Features: Exploring Animal Characteristics |
Take it further
Choose an activity to extend the fun.
Response writing: Write a description
- Write a description of one of the animals in the book’s photos. Use descriptive sensory words that will help readers “see” the animal.
Hands-on activity: Draw a diagram
- Choose one of the animals in the text.
- Draw a diagram of the animal that focuses on its special characteristics. Use labels to call out those characteristics.
- Use details in the text and photos to help you. You may also use online or book resources to find out more about the animal.
| Family supportUse this learning guide to walk your child through the lesson. Explore additional review & extend activities together. |
Day 5 activity
Let's review
This week you've learned about many different kinds of animals. Today, read about some amazing amphibians that need our help. Then create a board game to share what you’ve learned.
| Let’s read: Amphibian Alert! |
Take it further
Extend the fun with an activity.
Create a board game
- Create a board game about amphibians that are losing their home for one of the reasons given in Amphibian Alert!. Have the amphibians look for a new home. After you have drawn up the plan for your board game, write a set of instructions for how to play the game.
| Family supportInvite your children to be animal experts. Have them share what they learned this week about amazing animals. Ask: Which animal would you like to learn more about? How could you find more information about this animal? Encourage them to share additional information about the animal they chose. |
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Find more language arts activities for Grades 3-5.
This blog, originally published in 2020, has been updated for 2025.
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