Are you teaching whales for kids? Read this post for a beluga-directed drawing idea, an activity to build whale vocabulary, and engage your primary students in science and ELA lessons about these wonderous mammals.
Teaching Kids About Whales
Whales are my favorite animals! They are completely amazing! Not only do they live in our oceans, but they are the largest animals in the world. You will love teaching your little scientists about whales and sharing in my enthusiasm and amazement over these majestic creatures.
Whales offer an incredible opportunity to captivate students’ imaginations and foster a love for marine biology. To kick off your whale unit, consider integrating fun and interactive activities such as watching documentary clips showcasing different whale species, engaging in creative arts and crafts projects where kids can make their own whale models, and using interactive maps to track whale migration patterns.
Using a mix of visual, auditory, and hands-on learning tools can help students better understand these magnificent whales’ size, habitat, and behaviors. Also, discussing whales’ important role in the ecosystem can help spark conversations about conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans.
Let’s dive into a whale unit filled with engaging activities that work great in the first to third-grade classroom!
Table of contents
Why Teach Kids about Whales?
Studying animals is a great way to introduce students to research projects. They can research using printable sheets, books, or digital devices. Research incorporates reading and writing skills, so students can practice both while learning about something cool.
Whales are the perfect topic because there are so many species of this mammal in the sea. The kids always enjoy comparing the different species and discussing their favorites. Whales are fascinating creatures and provide plenty of research options for young students.
All-Inclusive Whale Unit for Kids
This whale unit is a great way to conduct student research and help them learn during a whale theme. If you aren’t sure where to start, the resources below will help you teach about these sea creatures. All you have to do is print and teach!
Whales Anchor Chart
Use a large anchor chart with the labels “can, have, are, eat, look” to record facts as you read about different kinds of whales from books and videos. A chart like the one below helps keep new learning organized and attainable. This chart can be used later while completing nonfiction writing.
Whale Facts for Kids
As a review activity, have students cut and paste whale facts, such as what they eat like plankton, how they look, and what they have. Students can decide which category to put each whale fact under in pairs or independently.
This activity is a great follow-up activity as it provides excellent practice for students and acts as an assessment for me to see who understands whale facts about these amazing creatures.
Labeling a Whale
As a class, students help the teacher label whales, such as tail fins, teeth, baleen, and flukes. This gives them a visual aid for memorizing essential vocabulary and parts of a whale. The chart can stay up for the duration of the whale study for students to reference.
Facts About Whales
This unit includes a variety of facts about these gentle giants of the sea! Kids will learn how big whales are and fun facts about different types of whales, such as baleen whales and toothed whales, predators like sharks, and more. The printables have short passages to teach kids that build reading comprehension and fun pictures.
Questions About Whales
As students learn, let them ask and answer simple questions about whales. These recording sheets will allow them to write their thoughts and findings. They can use the provided fact sheets to research and write their answers.
Compare & Contrast
Once kids have learned about a few different breeds of whales, they can compare and contrast their findings. They will see the many similarities and differences between other whales in the ocean!
Vocabulary Activities & Posters
Vocabulary can be daunting for students, so having visuals helps them learn! These picture vocabulary posters help them understand and remember essential vocabulary while studying whales. Kids will see the vocabulary word on each poster, a relevant picture, and a simple definition.
We hang these around the room to refer to for the whole unit. Laminate them for durability and use them each year.
The vocabulary words can also be printed onto colorful cardstock or paper. Place these cards in pocket charts for easy learning during whole-group lessons. You can also play a matching game in which students flip cards until they have matched all vocabulary terms with their definitions.
Life Cycle of Whales
These printables allow kids to record their findings about whales’ life cycles. There’s a fun illustration of an Orca whale and a cute mini-book to add to the unit!
Whale Writing & Research
This whale unit has a printable template research booklet for a project. Students can draw diagrams, write short stories and details, and draw pictures of whales. Depending on your study, they can choose from an orca, humpback, beluga whale, and more!
Whale Craft & Writing
Toward the end of the unit, have kids create this cute whale craft to show off everything they learned. Have them cut and paste the pieces and color the different whales.
They can also complete a writing activity of their choice. Fiction and nonfiction options are available to encourage creativity and make learning fun!
Whale Directed Drawing
As a fun art activity, complete a directed drawing of a whale. The kids get to follow simple steps to draw a cute little whale. Practice drawing on the sheet provided and then again on a larger paper. Let kids color or paint their drawings to decorate the bulletin board.
For more Directed Drawing ideas, check out my Ultimate Directed Drawing Guide!
Whales Science Unit for Kids
These fun educational activities and more come from the All About Whales ELA & Science Pack (Common Core aligned). Use the activities and worksheets to teach a whole-group lesson, review essential vocabulary, read and write more independently, and practice research skills. Kids always love a good research project they can show off!
This unit works great if combined with other ocean activities, such as visiting the beach or aquarium.
More Science Projects for Kids
spring science lessons and activities
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I love the whales, you did a great job incorporating a lot of information.
Your Whale Pack looks amazing Elyse, I would love to have it and use it with my new batch of kiddies this fall. Thanks so much for the chance to win.