Australian Animals KS2 Comprehension and Writing Activities Pack

This unit of work is based on the article ‘Aussie Rules’ from issue 2 of Animal Planet magazine. Pupils will discover fascinating facts about Australian animals which will then be used to inspire writing and work covering the KS2 science curriculum.

During the unit the pupils will have the opportunity to learn about animals that are found in Australia, including the emu, salt water crocodile and funnel-web spider.

A comprehension activity is included to check pupils’ understanding of the text and to encourage them to retrieve and record information from non-fiction texts.

They will sort animals according to different observable characteristics and animal groups. Using the article as inspiration, pupils will create their own magazine articles about an animal found in Australia.

Teachers’ notes are included for each of the activities, with suggested activities to develop the unit further.

This resource pack includes:

• A copy of the Animal Planet article ‘Aussie Rules’
• Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
• Animal cards
• Grouping animal cards
• Research sheet: Australian animals
• 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 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 and asking questions to improve their understanding of the text
• Pupils should be taught how to retrieve, record and present information from non-fiction

Writing

• Pupils should plan their writing by discussing and recording ideas (years 5 and 6 also by drawing on research where necessary)
• Pupils should draft and write by organising paragraphs around a theme and in non-narrative material, using simple organisational devices

Science (Year 4)

• Pupils should be taught to recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways

Science (Year 6)

• Pupils should be taught to describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences.
• Pupils should give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics.
• Pupils should identify how plants and animals are adapted to suit their environment in different ways …

This resource is part of the Learn Through Nature, with Animal Planet Magazine collection.
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• A copy of the Animal Planet article ‘Aussie Rules’
• Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
• Animal cards
• Grouping animal cards
• Research sheet: Australian animals
• Themed writing paper