Cheeky Chipmunk Lesson Plan

What We Are Learning

hibernation

autumn, hibernation

sing-along

counting

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman is a hibernation classic! Have children snore along with the bear as you read. Then read the issue to learn about another animal that hibernates—a chipmunk! text pairing

Dramatic Play: Build a Hibernation Nest

Materials: large cardboard box, blankets, pillowsIn this activity, children practice cutting, taping, and wrapping and unwrapping presents.

Children can pretend to be chipmunks in a cozy burrow, while you build in some quiet time.
Cut a large hole in the side of a box. The hole should be big enough for a child to crawl through. Have children put pillows and blankets inside.
Then children can pretend to be chipmunks hibernating in a burrow. Offer quiet activities for the children to do in the burrow, like looking through books with a flashlight.
As a fun extension, build a network of burrowing tunnels. Connect multiple boxes by matching up the holes in the sides of boxes and then taping them together. imagination

Materials: acorns, paint, paintbrushes, water, individual containers for collecting acorns

This art project/ scavenger hunt reinforces what children learned about chipmunks.
If possible, have children go outside and collect acorns. If not, bring in acorns yourself.
Put acorns, paint, and paintbrushes out on tables. Have children paint the acorns. Let the acorns dry overnight.
The next day, hide the acorns around the playground or your classroom. Give each child a container. Then they can pretend to be chipmunks finding acorns before hibernation.
When all of the acorns are collected, put them in a sensory bin. Allow children to explore further. art/fine motor/gross motor