Bring Owl-Themed Learning to Life with Counting and Art
Are you looking for a way to extend your owl-themed lessons beyond drawing and discussing night and day? After engaging students with an owl drawing project, why not integrate a fun and educational counting activity that ties into their newfound fascination with these nocturnal creatures? This owl-themed number activity is perfect for practicing number recognition and one-to-one correspondence while connecting with your owl studies.
Objective:
Students will use finger movements, mimicking owl talons, to practice counting and number matching.
Materials Needed:
- Number cards (showing numerals)
- A designated “branch” area for students to perch
- Space for students to sit or stand while “perching”
Instructions:
Optional: Introduction to Owls:
Start by discussing the nocturnal lifestyle of owls. Explain how owls are active at night and use their large eyes and talons for survival.
Fact to Share: Owls have large eyes to see in the dark and strong talons for catching prey.
Fact to Share: Owls have large eyes to see in the dark and strong talons for catching prey.
Demonstrate the Activity:
Show students how to use their fingers as “owl talons.” For each number you hold up, they will use the same number of fingers to represent the talons.
Example: If you show the number 3, students will hold up three fingers, making “talons” to match the number.
Example: If you show the number 3, students will hold up three fingers, making “talons” to match the number.
Interactive Counting:
Hold up a number card and ask students to use their “owl eyes” to observe the number.
Students will then “perch” on their spot and use their fingers to count out the talons. Each finger represents one talon, helping students practice one-to-one correspondence.
Students will then “perch” on their spot and use their fingers to count out the talons. Each finger represents one talon, helping students practice one-to-one correspondence.
Wrap-Up:
Discuss how this activity relates to how owls use their talons. Reflect on what students enjoyed about using their finger talons for counting.
Extensions:
Art Activity:
Complement this counting activity with my Big Owl Directed Drawing Art Project, available in my TPT store. This engaging project guides students through drawing a charming owl and is perfect for integrating art with your owl-themed math lessons. You can find it here.
Story Time:
Read an owl-themed story and use finger talons to count characters or events. Owl Wants to Share at Moonlight School by Simon Puttock has a lovely drawing at school theme!
Combining counting with the excitement of owl-themed learning makes math engaging and fun for young students. Enhance your lessons by incorporating the Big Owl Directed Drawing Art Project (with writing) for a creative and comprehensive owl study!
Combining counting with the excitement of owl-themed learning makes math engaging and fun for young students. Enhance your lessons by incorporating the Big Owl Directed Drawing Art Project (with writing) for a creative and comprehensive owl study!