It’s REPTILE week, and time to learn about all things scaly and creepy-crawly. My kids loved learning differences between reptiles and amphibians, exploring reptiles through hands-on activities, and even visiting the local Reptile Zoo. This is such a fun theme with so much to explore!
Reptile reading!
Snakes & turtles & iguanas… oh, my!As we worked in frog projects, we realized frogs are not reptiles! They are amphibians! So, we did a little bit of research to define each animal category.
Snake patterns!
Using colored sticker dots, have preschoolers follow different color patterns along snake drawings that you create for themIf the patterns aren’t perfect, that is fine! Let the littles be in charge
Origami frogs!
See my Reptile Pinterest board for instructions and the origami tutorials we usedThey jump, too!
Reptile snacks!
Peanut butter apple frogsFrog life cycle snacks Edible amphibians Yum yumSnake snacks. Cheese & cracker variety, or sweet & fruity. Use what you have around the house- you choose!I love when my kids want to prepare their own themed food. They have the most creative ideas!Fruity turtles! My kids ask for these all the time. Just need kiwis & oranges, & raisins for eyes
Alligator puppet!
Need: brown lunch sack, green construction paper, white paper, markers, scissors, glue, and we used chalk pastel Also ask & find out- what are the differences & similarities between alligators & crocodiles? See my Reptile Pinterest board for instructions
Pipe cleaner snakes!
Need: pipe cleaners, cut up straws &/or pony beads, felt, glue & googly eyesHelp children cut out a snake head & tongue using felt. Tie off a bead at the end of a pipe cleaner and load it up with straws or beads. Use glue to assemble the parts.
Draw a chameleon!
Find drawing instructions on YouTube or in a drawing bookPractice, practice, practice!Guided drawing is great for building foundational drawing skills
Snake eggs!
Need: vinegar & egg- that’s it!
Soak egg in a cup of vinegar overnight. The vinegar disintegrates the eggshell, creating an interesting sensory experience for little hands. Snake egg-citement!
Out & about!
Our visit to the Reptile Zoo!We got to pet a snake!
Albino alligator, and so many other scaly friends A perfect end to a reptile-filled week!
Media & Resources
For more reptile-inspired STEAM activities, visit my Reptiles Pinterest page and make sure to follow us on Instagram to keep up with our easy, themed, DIY activities for kids.
Monroe Reptile Zoo. This was one of our favorite field trips, and if you’re local (Greater Seattle Area) you should definitely check it out. Kids can watch presentations on animals given by experts, get up close to reptiles, and even pet animals! The website has some cool info to check out, too.
Wild Kratts. If you haven’t checked out this PBS show, you need to. It’s entertaining and educational, and ALL of my kids (ages 9, 6, and 2) LOVE it. Hosted by two animal-loving brothers, each episode explores a different habitat and/or animal, and the website offers features like games, the Creature-Pedia, and more.
Smash Boom Best podcast. Another favorite of my kids (and me), this podcast brings two hot topics head to head for a fun & entertaining debate. For Reptile Week, check out Snakes vs. Spiders – and make sure to root for our scaly, slithery friends for this one!
