Celebrating World Wildlife Day in the Classroom
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated December 21, 2024
World Wildlife Day, celebrated annually on March 3rd, is a fantastic opportunity to spark curiosity and environmental awareness in your students. This global event highlights the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats, fostering a sense of responsibility and wonder about the natural world. In your classroom, you can transform this special day into a meaningful celebration filled with engaging activities, inspiring books, and impactful discussions.
On the hunt for some print and go resources to help you celebrate World Wildlife Day in your classroom? Click on the image or button below to see all of the fun animal themed activities available in my TPT shop!
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Activities to Celebrate World Wildlife Day
Check our fun ideas to help bring the spirit of World Wildlife Day to life for your students.
Wildlife Research Projects
Assign each student or small groups a species to research. Provide them with questions like:
- What is the animal’s habitat?
- What are its diet and behaviors?
- Why is it important to its ecosystem?
Students can create posters, digital presentations, or fact sheets to share with the class.
For some no-prep wildlife research projects that you can download and use in your classroom, click on the image or button below!
“Adopt” an Endangered Animal
Consider symbolically adopting an endangered species through a reputable organization. Let the class vote on an animal, and use the adoption kit materials (like photos and facts) as a learning tool.
For more information on this fun activity, check out our virtual gorilla adoption by clicking on the image or button below!
Create Wildlife Art
Let students explore their artistic side by creating drawings, paintings, or collages of their favorite wild animals. You can even tie this to geography by displaying their art on a map showing where each animal lives.
Wildlife Habitat STEM Challenge
Challenge students to design and build a model habitat for a chosen animal using recycled materials. They’ll need to consider what the animal needs to survive and thrive.
Click here to check out all of the STEM activities available in my TPT shop!
Nature Scavenger Hunt
If possible, take students outside for a nature walk and a scavenger hunt. Look for signs of wildlife, like bird feathers, nests, or tracks, and discuss how the local ecosystem supports different species.
To see all of the nature scavenger hunt activities available in my TPT shop, click on the image or button below!
For more information about Outdoor Learning and Place-Based Education, check out our complete guide!
Read Aloud Books for World Wildlife Day
Enhance your celebration with thought-provoking and engaging books about wildlife:
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
A beautifully illustrated tale that highlights the interconnectedness of rainforest creatures and the importance of conservation.
Check out the book on Amazon by clicking here or on the image or button below.
Wildlife on Paper by Clover Robin
This book showcases stunning wildlife illustrations while teaching about various species and their habitats.
See the story on Amazon by clicking here or on the image or button below.
Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff
A heartwarming true story about the friendship between a hippo and a tortoise, emphasizing the bonds of care and connection in nature.
Check out the book on Amazon by clicking on the image or button below.
Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli
An inspiring story about the “Mother of Trees” in Kenya, teaching the value of individual action in environmental conservation.
See the book on Amazon by clicking here or on the image or button below.
Wrapping Up World Wildlife Day
End your celebration by reflecting on what students learned and how they can take action to help wildlife. Create a classroom pledge to protect nature, with commitments like recycling, conserving water, and being kind to animals. Encourage students to share their new knowledge with family and friends, spreading the message of conservation beyond the classroom.
World Wildlife Day is more than a celebration; it’s a chance to inspire future stewards of the planet. By fostering a love and respect for wildlife, you’re planting seeds of awareness that will grow for a lifetime. Let’s use this day to empower students to make a difference for the creatures who share our world.
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