A Snake Unit Study for Elementary-Aged Children

Welcome to our exciting snake unit study! Snakes are captivating creatures that have intrigued and mesmerized humans for centuries. With their slithering bodies, diverse colors, and unique behaviors, they make for a perfect topic to engage elementary-aged children in an educational adventure. In this blog post, we will provide you with a curated list of children’s books about snakes, along with hands-on lesson ideas and educational resources that will enhance the learning experience.

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Everything You Need for a Snake Unit Study

children’s books

1. “The Snake Who Came to Stay” by Julia Donaldson
2. “Verdi” by Janell Cannon
3. “I Don’t Like Snakes” by Nicola Davies
4. “Snakes: Amazing Pictures & Fun Facts on Animals in Nature” by Kay de Silva
5. “National Geographic Kids: Snakes!” by Melissa Stewart
6. “Slithery Snakes” by Roxie Munro
7. “Snake: The Essential Visual Guide” by Chris Mattison
8. “Slinky, Scaly, Slithery Snakes” by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
9. “Snakes” by Gail Gibbons
10. “The Greedy Python” by Richard Buckley
11. “The Snake Who Said Shhh” by Jodie Parachini

chapter books about snakes

1. “Snakes and Other Reptiles: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House” by Mary Pope Osborne
2. “The Serpent’s Secret” Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond Series by Sayantani DasGupta
3. “Summer of the Sea Serpent” Magic Tree House #3 by Mary Pope Osborne
4. “Nate the Great and the Missing Birthday Snake” by Andrew Sharmat
5. “The Secret Explorers and the Rainforest Rangers” by SJ King
6. “We Can’t All Be Rattlesnakes” by Patrick Jennings

Hands-on lessons to add to a snake unit study

Snake Anatomy: Create a life-sized snake using craft materials and label its different body parts.

Snake Habitats: Build miniature snake habitats using shoeboxes and craft materials, and research the different environments where snakes can be found.

Snake Classification: Explore different snake species and create a classification chart based on their physical characteristics.

Snake Senses: Conduct experiments to understand how snakes use their senses, such as a taste test to simulate snake tongue flicking.

Snake Camouflage: Learn about snake camouflage by designing and painting snake patterns on paper and playing a camouflage game.

Snake Movement: Observe snake movements and try imitating them through activities like yoga poses or a snake movement relay race.

Snake Diet: Investigate snake diets and create a food web showcasing the interactions between snakes and their prey.

Snake Myths and Legends: Study myths and legends from different cultures that involve snakes and encourage creative storytelling.

Snake Conservation: Raise awareness about snake conservation issues and brainstorm ways to protect and preserve snake habitats.

Field Trip or Virtual Tour: Visit a local zoo or arrange a virtual tour to see real snakes up close and learn from experts.

educational resources

printables

Engaging children in a snake unit study can be an exciting and enriching experience. By incorporating captivating children’s books, hands-on lessons, and learning manipulatives, you can create a dynamic learning environment that fosters curiosity and encourages a deeper understanding of snakes. Remember to ensure the safety of children when handling or observing live snakes and always supervise activities involving animals. Enjoy your snake-filled educational journey!

For more unit studies and lesson ideas, check out our HOMESCHOOL page on our blog.

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