This resource focused on Animal Classification can be used in a number of ways to teach about Animal Classification, characteristics of Vertebrates and Invertebrates, and supports Multi-lingual learners. This resource can be printed, projected, or shared digitally with students. It is available in both a PDF and a Canva Template which allows for editing. 

Ideas for Use

Anchor Chart/ Graphic Organizer:

• These pages can be used as large anchor charts for whole class learning, or print them out for students to keep as personal organizers as they learn more about Animal Classification

Instructional Resource/ Practice Activity:

• Use the last 4 pages of animal picture cards over a series of lessons. 
  • Students sort in any way they can think with a small group (color, where they live, size, what they eat, etc.)
  • Use page 1 to  teach about animal classification (Vertebrates vs. Invertebrates), then have students sort by vertebrate and invertebrate
  • Use page 2 teach about animal classification of Vertebrates, then have students sort by mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish

ELD Scaffolds:

Sentence Frames: (Collaborative & Productive)

Provide sentence frames such as these to facilitate communication both in speaking and writing.

• Emerging: "This animal is a _______. One part of the animal I notice is  _______."
• Expanding: "This animal is __________ because _______"
• Bridging: "One characteristic of a ___________, is ____________ and ________. "

Native Language Support: (Interpretive)

• Group students in triads where they speak the same native language if possible. Encourage them to describe the animals in their native language and provide translating tools to help them teach their Native English speaking peers the vocabulary in their own language

UDL Guidelines:

• Support multiple ways to receive information: text-based definitions and visual input