Inside: 5 Ideas for your Bat Unit
I’m starting a bat unit tomorrow.
These fuzzy little guys are one of my favourite creatures to study and the kids love them, too!
I have five ideas to share with you today, followed up with some links to my other bat posts.
DIRECTED DRAWINGS
Directed drawings are a great way to build interest in a topic before beginning or as part of a labelling or art activity partway through your unit.
I found this super easy step-by-step guide at Blue Tadpole Studio. This tutorial would be great even for kids in kindergarten!
You can find this lesson at Blue Tadpole Studio.
OPINION WRITING
It’s important for children to learn the difference between fact and opinion. And hand in hand with that is knowing how to justify their opinion in a smart way.
We practice this a lot throughout the year but whenever I can I like to work it more formally into a lesson.
It’s funny how many kids think bats are yucky before beginning the unit. Then once they’ve learned all about them almost everyone comes to realize what fascinating and important mammals they are.
This is the template I like to use for our bat unit.
DOWNLOAD: BAT OPINION WRITING TEMPLATE
CHOCOLATE PRETZEL BATS
I always like to wrap up my units with something fun and unexpected.
Food often fits the bill!
These chocolate pretzel bats are super easy to make and the salty sweet flavour is delicious! Follow the link for the recipe.
PRE-PACKAGED UNIT PLAN
Usually I prefer to develop my own owns, but if you’re a new teacher or you’re just running short on time, you might like this fabulous Nocturnal Unit.
It was created by Corinna from Surfin’ Through Second. I have a copy and she’s done a totally stand-up job!
BAT VIDEOS:
We’re also going to watch this really cool video:
I HAVE MORE BAT IDEAS:
Two Cute Bat POEMS and some bat clip art
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat activities
One year we had a bat IN our school building. The poor thing was freaked out. The kids were amazed. The little pretzel treats look fun!
We have lots of bats flying around at night. They are quite cute but they still freak me out a bit. Think it's a hangover or dracular phobia as a kid. Love your guided drawings and so will my kids. Julie 🙂Mrs Stowe's Kinder Cottage
Love the directed drawing and the bat treats. I bet the kids love them too!CindyGranny Goes to School
We have bats at our place. Keeps the mosquitoes at a minimum so I like them! But I don't want them flying too low! 🙂 Fun activities for your bat unit- have fun!LoriConversations in Literacy
I love the directed drawing. I am going to use it when I start my bat unit next week. I got a Stellaluna unit from Regan Tungstall. It's awesome!KimberleyFirst in Maine
I love this! Thank you so much for sharing!! We're finishing up our bat unit this week and this will be a perfect addition! :)Rachel A-B-Seymour
Cool! I like bats 🙂
I would be one of the kids who thinks bats are yucky. I'm not too sure I could be convinced otherwise, but it looks like you'll have a great time anyway. :)❀ TammyForever in First
Hi Barb, I love directed draws, the kids always amaze me at how well they do…your kiddos will love it.:o)Vicky Traditions, Laughter and Happily Ever After
My students get sooo excited when we do a directed draw! They always beg to add details and turn it into a story…so I love them too. I can't wait to do this next week. Thanks for sharing!Jenny