Animals at the Zoo

Exploring animal-related jobs like zookeepers connects children to animal care in the community.

• Framework: EYFS
• Unit: EYFS Community Helpers
• Learning area: Music and Movement
• Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception

Objectives

• Mimic animal movements and discuss what zookeepers do

Materials

• Animal masks or images
• Music player

Instructions

1. Teach simple animal movements (waddle, gallop, slither).

2. Ask children to move like the animal and guess its name.

3. Discuss who helps take care of animals.

Educator tip

Relate movements to body part awareness too.

Assessment

Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe movement variety and job understanding.

More from EYFS Community Helpers

• Nature Walk
• One to One Correspondence
• Nursery Rhymes
• Technology
• Helper Faces
• Soft Helper Toys
• Helper Songs
• Texture Uniforms