| The bat is indeed a fascinating creature
and often times quite misunderstood. Let's have fun with the bat
and also learn some real fun facts that will help our children have an
appreciation for how wonderful and important this animal is!
** Valentine's Day ** Yes, the bat is so much fun for
Valentine's Day too! Have you heard the expression: I
am "Batty" for You. Make your choice of bat craft in combination
of pink and red shades. Add heart stickers to the wings and
replace the center body portion with an elongated heart and you have the cutest
Valentine bat.
** Halloween theme or Nocturnal Scene ** The bat is
generally nocturnal
(active at night) and associated with the "mysterious"
darkness of the night and
Halloween festivities. Other animals that share similar
"reputations" are: the owl,
black cat and spiders, to name a few. Learning real facts about bats and these
other animals is important to dispel fears and instead children can
learn the difference between facts and myths/fiction or superstitions.
Ideally, plan for a number of days of activities for older children
and keep it simple for children under three years old.
Review the activities, printable materials, and learning links below to decide on what sequenceworks best for your needs.
Activity 1 >
Learning about Bats > Bats at KidZone.ws >
I didn't have to go far to enjoy a lot fun information to share with the
children, Bats at
KidZone.ws, a wonderful resource
that the whole family can enjoy, lots of images, printable resources,
crafts and more!This great resource is the effort of a mother
and daughter team, Tasha, age eight in 2002, and mom,
Leanne. Explore it and choose the
information you feel would be appropriate for the ages of the
children you are sharing with.
Encourage a discussion and dialogue: Ask the children what do
they know about bats. Proceed to discuss some basic facts
for young children in the links provided. View and explore
images.
Activity 2 >
Bat Crafts
Visit your choice of two easy bat crafts featured in the materials
column. Both crafts depict
the bat with a joyful and friendly face. These are available in
black with gray for Halloween or traditional brown tones. The black
and white format can be colored in or use the template to trace
over other materials and cut out pieces. The crafts also invite
other learning activities such as, problem solving and small motor
skills, scissor cutting,
identifying shapes, counting, learning colors and more.
-
Printable Bat Craft
This is an easy four piece craft that can be assembled in various ways
and different using various materials.
-
Handprint or Hand cut-outs Bat Craft
This is a fun and cute craft that also preserves the handprint of
the children and makes a cute gift and decoration.
Activity 3 > Alphabet Activity > Letter B for Bat Activities
Activity 4 > Online Jigsaw Puzzle > Bat
Skills: Problem solving. Bilingual English and Spanish
Here is an online puzzle the children will enjoy with a fun bat image.
The default puzzle is 6 pieces. Click on the change cut button
to change shape and number of pieces.
Activity 5 > Books > Story time >
Bats
An introduction to bats is not complete without a wonderful
picture book and great story.
 Picture Book > Online Story > Stellaluna >
by Janell Cannon and Jewell Cannon Ages 4 - 8
It is a wonderful way to
learn about the fruit bat and so much more!
The
Bat and the Birds a retelling of a Native American fable at KidZone - adaptable
for ages 5+
Visit Storylineonline
courtesy of the SAG Foundation for more picture book videos.
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Bat
Paper Crafts:
Handprint or Hand Cut-outs Bat
illustrations only
Black,
Brown & Black & White
Bat
Printable Craft
(4 pieces)
Letter B Bat
Printable Activities
Bat online jigsaw
puzzle
Bats coloring pages
Review instructions other printable materials
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