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Snakes Lesson Planning Page
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Welcome to my Snakes Lesson Planning Page. On this page you will find fun lesson planning ideas for learning all about these slithering creatures!
This week we are! This theme is all about celebrating:
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paper Plate Snake
Cut a spiral out of a paper plate for students to design their own snake!
*Snake Tracks
Invite preschoolers to make snake tracks. Provide thick yarn or string and tempera paint as well as paper (this could also be done on the sidewalk with sidewalk chalk paint).
Preschoolers drag their yarn through the paint and then onto paper and squiggle to make a design.
Preschoolers drag their yarn through the paint and then onto paper and squiggle to make a design.
Snake Necklace
Create a snake necklace with string and pony beads. Before creating the necklaces, discuss what pattern their snake is going to have. Make the connection between the pattern on the necklace and the patterns that snakes have.
Art Center Materials
Enhance your Art center this week by adding fun materials for creating patterns and snakes.
Consider Adding:
- Snake pattern ribbon and fabric
- Snake stickers
- Snake stencils
- Lots of colorful paper, be sure to have plenty of green and brown paper and marking tools available.
- Yarn, string
- Modeling clay
- Bubble wrap for making snake prints
More Art & Creative Ideas:
- Cardboard Roll Snake Craft from iheartcraftythings
- Paper Plate & Bubble Wrap Snake from crafty morning
Herpetologist Center
Set up a herpetologist center! Provide measuring tape, magnifying glasses, pretend snakes of all sizes, along with clipboards and pencils.
*Reptile Veterinarian
Transform your Dramatic Play Stand into a Reptile Veterinary station or Reptile Pet store.
Props: clipboards, paper, pens, pretend snakes in all sizes, magnifying glasses, containers for habitats
Props: clipboards, paper, pens, pretend snakes in all sizes, magnifying glasses, containers for habitats
More Dramatic Play Ideas:
*Snake Habitat
Create a snake terrarium in the block center!
This idea was submitted by Community Member Sheena W.
Before construction, have a planning session with students. What materials are needed? How can we find out what materials are needed (be sure to have a reference book on-hand)?
This will include an element of symbolic play, students will need to be creative to find materials that will work for bedding, water, climbing structures, lights, etc.
Be sure to have a pretend snake on hand to live in the habitat once complete!
This idea was submitted by Community Member Sheena W.
Before construction, have a planning session with students. What materials are needed? How can we find out what materials are needed (be sure to have a reference book on-hand)?
This will include an element of symbolic play, students will need to be creative to find materials that will work for bedding, water, climbing structures, lights, etc.
Be sure to have a pretend snake on hand to live in the habitat once complete!
Enhance your Construction Center
Add lots of plastic snakes for preschoolers to create their own habitats with.
Materials to consider adding for building: felt (brown, green blue), bowls, brown construction paper or newspaper, silk scarves (brown, green, blue), battery operated lights (have available for use with close supervision), twigs, rocks
Materials to consider adding for building: felt (brown, green blue), bowls, brown construction paper or newspaper, silk scarves (brown, green, blue), battery operated lights (have available for use with close supervision), twigs, rocks
More Construction & Small World Play Ideas
Snake Scale Matching
Community Member Victoria shared how she used the Snake Scale Match-up activity from the Snakes Activity Pack. Studying snakes is a great time to talk about patterning. While engaging in this activity invite your preschooler to examine and describe the different patterns on each snake.
Extension: Hang a poster or several pictures of snakes in the classroom, discuss all the different patterns that can be found. Be sure to point out texture along with design and color. Preschoolers may be interested to know that a herpetologist uses a snakes patterns to help determine what snake species a snake is.
*Snake Measuring Mats
Invite your preschooler to this measuring activity.
Set out the snake cards from the Snake Activity Pack along with rulers, unifix cubes, lego bricks, or any other measurement tool desired.
Set out the snake cards from the Snake Activity Pack along with rulers, unifix cubes, lego bricks, or any other measurement tool desired.
Extension:
Invite your preschooler to extend the learning by using the measuring tools to measure other objects or people in the classroom.
Smallest and Longest Snakes
Here is more fun with measuring.
Studying snakes often brings up a natural opportunity to talk about measurement!
Compare the longest snake species, and the shortest. At the time of publishing, the longest is a Reticulated Python (25' 2"), and the shortest snake species, Barbados Threadsnake (3.94").
Stick masking tape to the floor the same lengths as the snakes for children to compare.
Invite students to lay next to the tape to see how they measure up! How many classmates does it take to equal one Reticulated Python? Students may be interested in measuring themselves, have extra measuring tape and masking tape on hand to extend this activity!
Studying snakes often brings up a natural opportunity to talk about measurement!
Compare the longest snake species, and the shortest. At the time of publishing, the longest is a Reticulated Python (25' 2"), and the shortest snake species, Barbados Threadsnake (3.94").
Stick masking tape to the floor the same lengths as the snakes for children to compare.
Invite students to lay next to the tape to see how they measure up! How many classmates does it take to equal one Reticulated Python? Students may be interested in measuring themselves, have extra measuring tape and masking tape on hand to extend this activity!
Snake Egg Counting Mat
Work on counting, subitizing, and numeral recogntion with this snake egg counting activity from the Snakes Activity Pack.
*Snake Uppercase and Lowercase Matching
Practice matching lowercase letters to uppercase letters with these activity cards included in the Snakes Activity Pack
Label the Parts of a Rattlesnake
Learn about the parts of a rattlesnake, then label them on this printable included in the Snakes Activity Pack
The study of snakes provides plenty of opportunities to teach children that information can be found in books. Be sure to have a variety of reference books about snakes in addition to lots of fun stories.
Here are a few of my favorites for this theme!
Opposnakes by Salina Yoon
The Greedy Python by Eric Carle
Hide and Snake by Keith Baker
Slither, Snake! (National Geographic Kids) by Shelby Alinsky
Everything You Need to Know About Snakes (Smithsonian) by DK
Caring for Your Snake by Isabel Thomas
Snakes for Kids: A Junior Scientist's Guide to Venom, Scales, and Life in the Wild by Michael G. Starkey
Reptiles and Amphibians by Roger Priddy
Verdi by Janell Cannon
Snakes by Gail Gibbons
I (Don't) Like Snakes by Nicola Davies and Luciano Lozano
The Greedy Python by Eric Carle
Hide and Snake by Keith Baker
Slither, Snake! (National Geographic Kids) by Shelby Alinsky
Everything You Need to Know About Snakes (Smithsonian) by DK
Caring for Your Snake by Isabel Thomas
Snakes for Kids: A Junior Scientist's Guide to Venom, Scales, and Life in the Wild by Michael G. Starkey
Reptiles and Amphibians by Roger Priddy
Verdi by Janell Cannon
Snakes by Gail Gibbons
I (Don't) Like Snakes by Nicola Davies and Luciano Lozano
Life Cycle of a Cobra
Take a look at the life cycle of a cobra!
Laminate this activity for repeat use or use as a cut and paste. Display in your science area for reference. This set is included in the Snakes Activity Pack
Laminate this activity for repeat use or use as a cut and paste. Display in your science area for reference. This set is included in the Snakes Activity Pack
Study Snake Skins
Place snake skins in the science area for preschoolers to examine with a magnifying glass
What is a Snake?
Preschoolers are likely far more familiar with worms than they are with snakes.
A good way to introduce your Snake theme is with a discussion about what exactly a snake is!
Have a group discussion about what makes a snake a snake! Be sure to include facts about reptiles, muscles, hibernation, and eggs.
Read a book about snakes with your group to learn more about what makes a snake a snake.
Here is a resource you can use for your discussion.
A good way to introduce your Snake theme is with a discussion about what exactly a snake is!
Have a group discussion about what makes a snake a snake! Be sure to include facts about reptiles, muscles, hibernation, and eggs.
Read a book about snakes with your group to learn more about what makes a snake a snake.
Here is a resource you can use for your discussion.
Snake Habitat Sensory
Set up a sand and water table (or simply use bins) one side with sand and one side with water. Provide plastic snakes. While children play, discuss that some snakes like to spend time in water, some in sand, and some in other types of environments (consider setting up exploration for other environment types as well!). Consider hanging posters of the snakes that like those environments nearby.
Keep a snake reference chart outside for use when a snake is spotted. Keep this available year-round.
Keep a snake reference chart outside for use when a snake is spotted. Keep this available year-round.
How Snakes Are Born
Engage in discussion with your preschooler about how snakes are born. Some snakes are oviparous (lay eggs), some are viviparous (live birth), and some are ovoviviparous (a combination of both where the egg is retained in the mama snake and the snakes are born alive).
Encase small plastic snakes in play dough and shape like an egg. Invite students to find out what is inside each play dough egg. Take this opportunity to discuss how some snakes hatch from eggs.
Encase small plastic snakes in play dough and shape like an egg. Invite students to find out what is inside each play dough egg. Take this opportunity to discuss how some snakes hatch from eggs.
More science & Discovery Ideas:
- National Geographic Kids
- Be sure to visit your local forest service, game and fish, or university websites for information about local snakes
- U.S. Forest Service Snake Information
Create Snake Shapes with Dough
Place Pre-K Printable Fun Snake Shape Dough Mats in the play dough center.
Members log in here to access PKPF Printables
Members log in here to access PKPF Printables
Roll and Color Snake
Pair this printable snake and rolling cube with crayons to play this game. Roll the cube, then color in a circle with the same color crayon.
This activity is included in the Snakes Activity Pack
This activity is included in the Snakes Activity Pack
Extension idea: After completing the snake count up how many times each color was used, compare the data. Do this activity with an adult or peer. You can either take turns rolling and coloring, or roll and color your own and compare once complete.
*Move Like a Reptile
Practice moving like a variety of reptiles to get a full body workout. Encourage both fast movement and slow movement.
While moving like a snake encourage children to move only using their core muscles, not using their legs and arms to propel themselves forward.
While moving like a snake encourage children to move only using their core muscles, not using their legs and arms to propel themselves forward.
Create Snakes from Clay
Create snakes from clay. Clay is a different consistency from play dough and gives little hands a big workout.
See the Invitation to Create Clay Snakes blog for photos and material suggestions.
See the Invitation to Create Clay Snakes blog for photos and material suggestions.
Snake Jumping
Provide a jump rope, have a child on each end of the rope. Show preschoolers how to gently squiggle the jump rope so it looks like a snake slithering. Invite the remaining preschoolers to jump over the snake.
Weaving
Provide snake pattern ribbon and dish mats from the dollar store or a loom for weaving.
Safe Discovery and Investigations
Be sure to review safety guidelines for handing reptiles and amphibians and sharing this information with your preschoolers.
Here is one resources for staying healthy around these creatures Stay Healthy Around Pet Reptiles and Amphibians
Be sure to discuss venomous and non-venomous snakes along with snake safety!
Here is one resources for staying healthy around these creatures Stay Healthy Around Pet Reptiles and Amphibians
Be sure to discuss venomous and non-venomous snakes along with snake safety!
More physical
development Ideas:
- Wool Snake Activity from recycle.org
Learn About Herpetologists
Consider inviting a herpetologist into the classroom to talk about snakes. If you cannot find one, consider finding a short video that discusses what a herpetologist is or read a book about them.
Ask a Librarian
Take a trip to your local library to learn about snakes! In advance notify your librarian and ask them to have some books set aside for this activity. This helps preschoolers to learn that librarians are an important part of our community and are a valuable resource for them! If you can't take a trip out, invite your local librarian to come in and read a few books about snakes. Many libraries will also collect books about a specific topic for teachers so be sure to ask if your library has this service.
Other Reptile Professionals
Explore other professionals that handle reptiles. You can invite these professionals in to the program to talk about what they do, take a planned trip to their facility, or find a virtual field trip.
- Firefighters
- Animal Control
- Snake Wildlife Center
- Pet Shop Owners
CREATE A SPACE FOR PRIVACY
Socialization is an important part of preschool.
However, some children need space and time to get away from all the stimulation. Many children can benefit from having a space for privacy from time-to-time, and it can be essential for children with slow-to-warm temperament.
Create a space where children can get away from it all. Snakes week is a good opportunity to introduce this space, or if you already have a space this is a good time to remind students why it's there.
You can tie this in to your theme by talking about how snakes like a space for privacy.
However, some children need space and time to get away from all the stimulation. Many children can benefit from having a space for privacy from time-to-time, and it can be essential for children with slow-to-warm temperament.
Create a space where children can get away from it all. Snakes week is a good opportunity to introduce this space, or if you already have a space this is a good time to remind students why it's there.
You can tie this in to your theme by talking about how snakes like a space for privacy.
Ideas for Creating a Space for Privacy:
Choose a space where children can be supervised but still get away from it all. Here are a few ideas:
Choose a space where children can be supervised but still get away from it all. Here are a few ideas:
- A corner of the classroom where there is just enough space for one. Keep a sign in this space that children can put up to communicate they need privacy
- "I had a loft built for my center, top for 1 or 2 kiddos and bottom for 1 or 2 kiddos." -Community Member Beth B.
- Have a large bin (no lid) in the classroom that children can climb inside with a book or toy. For safety only one child at a time, teach children to be respectful of children inside the bin and give them their space.
- Tight on space? Have a easy pop up tent in the classroom for a space for privacy. Consider having this be as plain as possible to encourage use only for privacy.
More Social & Emotional Ideas:
Counting Mice Circle Time
Community Member Sheena W. shared this circle time idea.
She created these little mice and a snake out of a cardboard tube. As she read the book Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh she invited her preschoolers to feed the snake.
She created these little mice and a snake out of a cardboard tube. As she read the book Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh she invited her preschoolers to feed the snake.
Classroom Snake
Using a long piece of paper, cut out a long snake shape. Lay it on the floor in the classroom, invite students to work together to make patterns and designs all over the snake. Hang in the classroom when complete.
*Snake Egg Collecting
Set up one side of the room with snake nests (you can use a small basket, piece of paper, cloth) and on the opposite side of the room have a small basket of eggs (the eggs can be cut out of white paper or use pretend eggs if you have them on hand).
Students start by lying down by their nest, then slither to the other side of the room to their egg basket. They collect an egg and then slither back to their nest to deposit the egg. Set up about 5 eggs per student or set up as a relay race!
Students start by lying down by their nest, then slither to the other side of the room to their egg basket. They collect an egg and then slither back to their nest to deposit the egg. Set up about 5 eggs per student or set up as a relay race!
More Group & Circle Time Ideas
Guess My Snake
Snakes have unique patterns, the children in your preschool are unique too. use this opportunity to highlight the unique qualities that make them...them!
Create an interactive display for parents. Use a display board you have dedicated to parents or a tri-fold display board.
There are many ways you can do this activity. Here is one suggestion.
Have each child design a snake on a 5x7 piece of cardstock. Encourage them to use their favorite colors or even use fabrics to create a collage snake.
Next, have them tell you some clues you can write down for parents to use as they guess who each snake belongs to.
Such as: weight, height, favorite color, favorite show, favorite food etc.
On the display board post the drawing of the snake and the facts next to one another. Under the drawing place a photo of the child or their name.
Parents look at the pictures and read the facts. Once they have guessed they can lift up the drawing to reveal who drew the snake.
Create an interactive display for parents. Use a display board you have dedicated to parents or a tri-fold display board.
There are many ways you can do this activity. Here is one suggestion.
Have each child design a snake on a 5x7 piece of cardstock. Encourage them to use their favorite colors or even use fabrics to create a collage snake.
Next, have them tell you some clues you can write down for parents to use as they guess who each snake belongs to.
Such as: weight, height, favorite color, favorite show, favorite food etc.
On the display board post the drawing of the snake and the facts next to one another. Under the drawing place a photo of the child or their name.
Parents look at the pictures and read the facts. Once they have guessed they can lift up the drawing to reveal who drew the snake.
Theme Communication
- Before you start this theme, ask if any parents work with snakes or know someone who does that may like to come in and talk about them.
- It's also a good idea to communicate with parents if any of their children have a fear of snakes
- Ask parents if anyone has snake skins to donate to your science center, or if they can volunteer to ask a pet store or friend for some.
- Add the suggested materials and books from this page to your Amazon Wish List for parents to donate to the classroom.
- Share your lesson plan with parents so they can extend the conversation and learning at home!
