What Do Animals Eat?
Learning about animal diets develops scientific vocabulary while connecting to children's natural curiosity about living things.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Pets
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS Birth-2, 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Develop basic knowledge of animal nutritional needs
- Learn vocabulary: carnivore, herbivore, omnivore
- Participate in hands-on learning about animal movements
Materials
- Large word cards for carnivore, herbivore, omnivore
- Open space for movement activities
- Animal flashcards
- Food picture cards (meat, plants, both)
Instructions
Begin by discussing what pets at home eat, encouraging children to share observations about their own animals' diets. Introduce the concept that different animals eat different things, then present the vocabulary cards: carnivores eat meat, herbivores eat plants, and omnivores eat both. Use picture cards to help children classify animals by their diet, placing them under the correct vocabulary heading. Transition to movement activities, discussing how different animals move (crawling, walking on four legs, hopping, slithering, flying). Clear an open space and call out animal names, inviting children to move like that animal while making its characteristic sounds. Encourage creative interpretation and celebrate diverse movement ideas.
Educator tip
Create a three-column chart to display and add to throughout the unit as children discover new animal examples.
Assessment
Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observe students' active participation in discussion and movement activities, noting vocabulary acquisition.