Herbivore vs Carnivore
Learning about dinosaur diets introduces classification skills and scientific vocabulary.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Dinosaurs
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Learn that dinosaurs ate different foods
- Sort dinosaurs by diet type
- Use vocabulary: herbivore, carnivore
Materials
- Dinosaur toys or pictures
- Sorting mats (plants/meat)
- Picture cards of foods
Instructions
Show pictures of plant-eaters and meat-eaters. Have children sort dinosaurs onto appropriate mats.
Educator tip
Use teeth shapes as clues—flat for plants, sharp for meat.
Assessment
Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observe sorting accuracy and vocabulary use.