This Thematic Penguin Unit provides detailed lesson plan descriptions of activities that are fun and engaging for students. This unit meets state and federal standards in science, literacy, social studies, math, and art.

Links to templates and activity sheets are available from the body of the article.

Thematic Penguin Unit">

Finding just the right books for your Penguin Unit can be a challenge. These books make it easy to address standards in language arts, math, science, and social studies and provide hours of fun learning about Penguins.

There is something about penguins that fascinate kids. Maybe it's their childlike appearance or their funny way of walking. Whatever it is, it engages kids in learning. This selection of books are sure to have your students eager to learn more.

NONFICTION

Penguin Chick
(Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

This Let's Read and Find Out Science Book is a great read aloud book for young children and can even be read independently by those in early elementary grades (2nd and 3rd). It follows the life of one young penguin from egg to adulthood and chronicles the obstacles a penguin faces on his way to adulthood. It also features a section at the end "Find Out More About Penguins" and provides two interactive activities to try.

Penguin
(Watch Me Grow)

This book is written for elementary school children ages 4 to 8 and provides young children with an introduction to the life cycle of a Penguin. It offers close up photos and fact boxes that provide additional information. This is an excellent book for teaching children how to access information in nonfiction books.

Plenty of Penguins

This book depicts a variety of penguins and their day to day activities. It is written in rhyme and is designed for early elementary students ages 4-8. Filled with factual information.

Antarctica 0590725971
(Scholastic Big Books)

This beautifully illustrated book features the Emperor penguin, Adelie Penguin, and the Weddel Seals during the winter and spring in Antarctica. The intrusion of men in a helicopter frightens the penguins away from their eggs. A nice introduction for elementary students to how man affects the environment and the importance of preserving our natural world. Although the book addresses real issues facing the wildlife in Antarctica it is a fictionalized version presented from the animal's point of view.

FICTION

The Penguin Puzzle:
Penguin Puzzle
(Magic School Bus)

Ms. Frizzle and her classroom take a magical trip to Antarctica where they meet penguins and explore enormous icebergs. When the kids are turned into Penguins they need Ms. Frizzle's help to solve the mystery. A great book for independent readers.

PICTURE BOOKS

The Emperor's Egg with Audio:
Read, Listen, & Wonder

This delightful story explains the role of the male emperor penguin in raising the young. Captivating illustrations engage young elementary school children in learning about penguins.

Penguin Pete

The adorable Penguin Pete worries that he is too small and wants to grow up and do all the things big penguins do. Kids love to read this book to see how Penguin Pete learns to walk and swim.

Without You
(Book and Audio CD)
(Paperback)

A baby Emperor Penguin sings the narrative to accompany the pages of the book, honoring his father and the role he plays in keeping the chick safe and warm while the mother is away. A must have for early elementary classrooms.

Penguins 123

Great book for encouraging counting. Bright and colorful images and written in rhyme. Includes the numeral and the written version of each number.

Penguins ABC

A wonderful ABC book that relates each letter to the life of the Penguin. A for Antarctica, B for baby... F for family. I terrific book for teaching the alphabet and phonemic awareness to early elementary grades.

Counting Penguins!

This simple text is an inviting and fun way to include math concepts in your Penguin Unit

Busy Penguins

This board book is beautifully illustrated and contains simple text that is ideal for the beginning reader. A great book for elementary classrooms and school libraries.

Lost Boy is the account of a young boy who has survived abuse and entered the maze of foster care. What makes this book invaluable is that it is written by the survivor and illustrates the unique perspective of the child.

Read why this book is one you absolutely must read if you are a teacher or if you work with children on a daily basis.

Why Every Teacher Should Read The Lost Boy

Using craft projects to teach important skills is sure to engage students and provide a fun activity for all. A simple wreath of leaves for the classroom door can become the basis for building math skills throughout the week.

Although this article is about using fall leaves, I have used holly leaves in different sizes and shapes. You could easily substitute Hearts for Valentines Day, Shamrocks for St. Patricks's Day, or Easter Eggs for Easter.

How to Create a Door Wreath and Teach Math Skills at the Same Time

Teachers often have questions about how to handle speaking and reading aloud in the classroom and struggle with other students who may tease the child who stutters.

Find out how you can assist the child who stutters.

When Children Stutter