In the Springtime, there is a good chance you will start seeing ducks and ducklings around. Below are a series of lesson plans about ducks that can be done with preschoolers. (Note: the field trip assumes you live near Boston, if you do not live near Boston you can go to some other spot you are likely to spot ducks)

Lesson Plan Part 1: Make Way For Ducklings Field Trip and Art

Grade Level: Preschool

Objective:

• To understand more about ducks and their habitat.

• To improve creativity and observational skills through art.

Materials:

• The book "Make Way for Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey

• Pictures of ducks

• Drawing materials (crayons, pencils, markers, etc.)

• Paper

• Clipboard or something hard to write on

• Camera

Procedure:

Introduction:

1. Begin by reading the book "Make Way for Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey to the students.

2. Ask the students to share what they know about ducks, and then provide additional information about ducks as necessary.

3. Show pictures of ducks to help students visualize the various types of ducks.

Field Trip: 4. Plan a field trip to The Boston Public Garden and Charles River to observe ducks in their natural habitat.

1. Have the students bring clipboards, pencils, and paper so they can take notes and draw pictures of what they observe.

2. Take photos of the students during the trip to use for later art projects.

3. Encourage the students to ask questions about the ducks and their environment.

Art Project: 8. Once back in the classroom, provide drawing materials for the students to use.

1. Have the students use their notes and photographs from the field trip to create their own artwork depicting the ducks and their habitat.

2. After completing their artwork, have the students describe what they drew while the teacher writes down their comments next to their artwork.

3. Hang up the artwork and descriptions where parents and caregivers can see them.

Lesson Plan Part 2:

Grade Level: Preschool

Objective:

• To encourage curiosity and inquiry about ducks

• To improve literacy skills through reading and discussion

Materials:

• "Ducks!: A My Incredible World Picture Book for Children" by Hope Aicher

• "Ducks Don't Get Wet" by Augusta Goldin

• Chart paper or whiteboard

• Markers

• Paper

• Pencils

Procedure:

Introduction:

1. Begin by reading the books "Ducks!: A My Incredible World Picture Book for Children" and "Ducks Don't Get Wet" to the students.

2. Ask the students to share what they have learned about ducks from the books and the field trip to The Boston Public Garden and Charles River.

3. Write their responses on chart paper or the whiteboard.

Class Discussion: 4. Ask the students what they want to know about ducks.

1. Write their questions on chart paper or the whiteboard.

2. Discuss their questions, and encourage students to come up with their own ideas and observations about ducks.

3. Have the students write or draw what they have learned about ducks so far.

Activity: 8. Based on the questions asked by the students, create a lesson plan that will help them learn more about ducks.

1. For example, if a student asks, "What do ducks eat?", plan a lesson on the food habits of ducks.

2. Have the students participate in the lesson, and encourage them to ask more questions and share their observations.

Assessment: 11. Evaluate students' participation in the class discussion, their questions, and their responses to the lesson activity.

1. Evaluate their writing or drawing of what they have learned about ducks.

Closure: 13. Conclude the lesson by having students share what they have learned and what they still want to know about ducks.

1. Encourage them to continue to observe and learn about ducks in their natural habitat.

2. Use their questions and responses to guide future lessons about ducks.