This unit of work is based on the articles ‘A Wild New World’ and ‘City Living!’ from issue 12 of Animal Planet magazine (included). Pupils will learn about some of the animals that live in our cities as well as how humans are affecting the natural behaviour of some species.
The article is also used to develop comprehension skills to check pupils’ understanding of the text and to encourage them to retrieve and record information from non-fiction. It is also used to inspire writing, with the opportunity to write a discussion text describing the positive and negatives for animals that choose to live alongside humans in the city.
During the unit the pupils will explore how light pollution can be reduced and debate the question ‘Is it better for foxes to live in urban areas?’
Teachers’ notes are included for each of the activities, with suggested activities to develop the unit further.
This resource pack includes:
This unit of work is based on the articles ‘A Wild New World’ and ‘City Living!’ from issue 12 of Animal Planet magazine (included). Pupils will learn about some of the animals that live in our cities as well as how humans are affecting the natural behaviour of some species.
The article is also used to develop comprehension skills to check pupils’ understanding of the text and to encourage them to retrieve and record information from non-fiction. It is also used to inspire writing, with the opportunity to write a discussion text describing the positive and negatives for animals that choose to live alongside humans in the city.
During the unit the pupils will explore how light pollution can be reduced and debate the question ’ Is it better for foxes to live in urban areas?’
Teachers’ notes are included for each of the activities, with suggested activities to develop the unit further.
This resource pack includes:
Copy of the Animal Planet articles ‘A Wild New World’ and ‘City Living!’
Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
Images showing light pollution
Light pollution solution design sheet
Discussion question
Discussion writing planning sheet
Themed writing paper
What is Animal Planet Magazine?
This pack has been created in association with Animal Planet magazine, which fuels curious minds, helps children make sense of the world and sparks joy on every page.
To find out more, and register your interest in a school subscription, visit https://www.animalplanetmagazine.com/schools
National Curriculum Programme of Study Links
Reading
Pupils should develop positive attitudes to reading and understanding of what they read by listening to and discussing a wide range of … non-fiction
Pupils should understand what they read by
- checking that the text makes sense to them, discussing their understanding and explaining the meaning of words in context.
- asking questions to improve their understanding of the text.
Pupils should be taught how to retrieve, record and present information from non-fiction.
Writing
Year 3 / 4
Pupils should plan their writing by
- discussing writing similar to that which they are planning to write in order to understand and learn from its structure, vocabulary and grammar
- discussing and recording ideas
Pupils should draft and write by
- organising paragraphs around a theme
Year 5/6
Pupils should plan their writing by
- identifying the audience for and purpose of the writing, selecting the appropriate form and using other similar writing as models for their own
- noting and developing initial ideas, drawing on reading research where necessary
Pupils should draft and write by
- selecting appropriate grammar and vocabulary, understanding how such changes can change and enhance meaning.
Design Technology
Design
Pupils should be taught to generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams …
Science
Year 4
Pupils should be taught to recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things.