**Note: This page is for educational inspiration and is not officially affiliated with Squirrel Appreciation Day. Squirrel Appreciation Day is an annual observance, typically celebrated on January 21st. It was created in 2001 by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator. For more information about the day and its origins, you can visit resources like The Wildlife Community.
Thursday 21st January 2027
Understanding Squirrel Appreciation Day in EYFS & KS1
Let's scamper and learn about squirrels! 🌰 Squirrel Appreciation Day is an annual observance, typically celebrated on January 21st. It was created in 2001 by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator. The day's purpose is to encourage people to appreciate squirrels and to learn more about these common, often overlooked, creatures. It highlights their fascinating behaviours, their role in the ecosystem (like helping to plant trees by burying nuts they forget!), and their importance in our local environments.
For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, this day provides a delightful and accessible theme for exploring wildlife, nature, seasons (winter/autumn), animal behaviour, and environmental awareness. It's about encouraging close observation of creatures found in our gardens and parks, understanding their habits, and appreciating their place in the natural world. This day offers wonderful planning ideas and inspiration for engaging activities that truly resonate with young minds, making learning about ecology and local wildlife both curious and fun.
Why Is Teaching About Squirrels & Local Wildlife Important for Young Children?
Integrating lessons about squirrels and local wildlife into your practice with young children (aged 0-7) helps develop their connection with the natural world, developing observation skills, and promoting an early sense of environmental awareness.
Observation Skills: Encourages children to watch animals closely, notice details in their behaviour (e.g., burying nuts, climbing trees), and understand their adaptations.
Understanding Ecosystems: Introduces the concept of animals' roles in the environment (e.g., seed dispersal by squirrels).
Seasonal Changes: Squirrels are particularly active in autumn and winter, providing a tangible link to seasonal changes and animal preparations.
Empathy & Care: Fosters a sense of compassion and respect for common local animals, even those often seen as pests.
Physical Development: Observing squirrels climbing and jumping can inspire children's own gross motor play.
Literacy & Numeracy: Provides contexts for counting (nuts!), sorting, creating stories, and learning new vocabulary.
Engaging Squirrel & Wildlife Activities for Squirrel Appreciation Day (0-7 Year Olds)
Make Squirrel Appreciation Day a truly engaging and observant experience with these planning ideas and activities perfect for EYFS and KS1 children. The focus is on learning about squirrels, observing their behaviours, and understanding their role in nature! Many of these early years and year 1 activities can be supported by our dedicated 'Autumn', 'Winter', 'Forest School', and 'Animals' resources.
Here's some inspiration for scampering into the world of squirrels in your setting: (Please use your own discretion and knowledge of your children to ensure appropriateness of each activity and safety concerning any materials given and activity undertaken.)
Squirrel Observation Walk: Take children on a "squirrel hunt" in your outdoor area or a local park. Encourage them to observe squirrels (from a distance!), noticing how they move, where they hide nuts, and what they eat. Use our 'Autumn Walk Checklists' or 'Winter Walk Checklists' to look for signs of squirrels or other animals.
"What Does a Squirrel Need?" Discussion: Talk about what squirrels need to survive (food like nuts, shelter in trees, water). Use our 'Helping Wildlife In Winter' Poster', 'Helping Wildlife In Winter - Banner', 'Helping Wildlife In Winter' Cards', 'Helping Wildlife In Winter - Illustrations Activity', 'Helping Wildlife In Winter' Cards - Colouring', and 'Helping Wildlife In Winter - Feeding Poster' to discuss how we can help local wildlife.
"Feed the Squirrel" Activities: Engage fine motor skills with our 'Feed The Squirrel Pencil Control Mats' and 'Feed The Squirrel Pencil Control Activity Sheets'.
Squirrel-Themed Numeracy:
Counting: Use our 'Squirrel Numbers 0-20', 'Squirrel Playdough/Loose Parts Counting Mats - Version 2', and 'Squirrel Playdough/Loose Parts Counting Mats' for counting and number recognition activities.
Autumn Counting: Connect to autumn themes with 'Autumn Counting Posters (1-20)', 'Autumn Counting (1-20) - Colouring', 'Autumn Number Snap Cards', and 'Autumn Number Slice Puzzle Picture (0-20)'.
Squirrel Arts & Crafts: Provide opportunities to draw, paint, or create squirrels. Use our'Finger-Paint Acorns' for a related art activity. Children could create their own squirrel masks using 'Autumn - Animal Masks - Colouring' and 'Autumn - Animal Masks'.
Squirrel Movement Game: Play a "Squirrel Dash" game where children pretend to gather and hide nuts. Our 'Squirrel Dash Game' provides inspiration. You could also use 'Autumn Movement Activity Challenge Cards'.
Seasonal Connections: Emphasise how squirrels prepare for winter. Discuss 'Signs Of Autumn Posters', 'Signs Of Autumn - Colouring', 'Autumn Colouring', 'Autumn Big & Small Colouring', 'Signs Of Winter Cards/Posters', 'Signs Of Winter Cards/Posters - Colouring', and 'Hibernation Fact Cards'. You could play 'Winter Hibernation Game'.
Animal Footprints: Explore animal tracks. Use 'Footprints In The Snow - Banner', 'Animal Footprints In The Snow Poster', 'Winter Animal Footprint Puzzles', 'Animal Footprints In The Snow Cards - Which Animal Made That Footprint?', and 'Animal Footprint Multimats'.
Woodland Wildlife: Broaden the theme to other woodland creatures. Use 'Woodland Wildlife Walk - Winter', 'Woodland Wildlife - Mindfulness Scavenger Hunt Prompt Cards’, and 'Woodland Animals - Fact Cards’.
Explore More: Please visit our 'Forest School', 'Autumn' or 'Winter' pages to browse our entire collection of educational materials on this theme!
These activities offer great inspiration for making Squirrel Appreciation Day a memorable and impactful experience in your early years and Key Stage One setting, fostering observation skills, environmental awareness, numeracy, and a genuine love for local nature.
To explore ideas surrounding additional early years events, please visit our 'Special Dates Calendar' page.
Printable resources to support teaching & learning surrounding: ‘Squirrel Appreciation Day’
Free Squirrel activities for EYFS & KS1:
Mega pack of Animal colouring pictures…49 sheets of individual animals to colour including their names.
Great for fine motor, observational skills, colour choice and becoming aware that text has meaning.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Small birds and animals can find it difficult through the winter months. Here’s a poster of visual reminders which you may like to display in your setting as a discussion point and/or stimulus for activity. It depicts things you may like to think about with your children to help your local wildlife
More resources regarding ‘Helping Wildlife in Winter’ on our ‘National Robin Day’ page.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Squirrel activities for EYFS & KS1:
Autumn animal masks pack. Ideal for autumn themed role play and art and craft!
Pack includes 8 masks: badger, hedgehog, fox, deer, barn owl, red squirrel, grey squirrel and deer with antlers.
Keywords: owl, owls, badger, badgers, hedgehog, hedgehogs, fox, foxes, deer, deer, barn owls, red squirrels, grey squirrels, deer with antlers, owl babies, owl baby
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Autumn animal masks pack. Ideal for autumn themed role play!
Pack includes 8 masks: badger, hedgehog, fox, deer, barn owl, red squirrel, grey squirrel and deer with antlers.
Keywords: owl, owls, badger, badgers, hedgehog, hedgehogs, fox, foxes, deer, deer, barn owls, red squirrels, grey squirrels, deer with antlers, owl babies, owl baby
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These A5 fact cards can be used as part of a display or as a stimulus for discussion, writing and drawing.
10 cards included in pack: fox, squirrel, ladybird, badger, deer, owl, dormouse, long-eared bat, Eurasian jay and hedgehog.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These fact cards can be used as part of a display or as a stimulus for discussion, writing and drawing.
10 cards included in pack: fox, squirrel, ladybird, badger, deer, owl, dormouse, long-eared bat, Eurasian jay and hedgehog.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Autumn themed word cards. Use as part of 'Autumn' themed role play areas and displays. Blank cards within the set to make your own or challenge the children to!
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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‘Autumn’ word mat. Why not use in conjunction with our ‘Autumn’ word cards? Can be used as part of a display or activities. Uses vary from pointing activities with younger children (e.g. ‘Where’s the fox?’) and naming and describing objects in the world around us, right up to children beginning to read and write.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These cards/mats are intended to inspire children to use natural, autumnal items to create pictures.
It is not intended for these representations to be copied exactly; any combination of natural resources will do!
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Have great fun with your children whilst all acting out Autumn sights with this set of 8 Autumn Activity Challenge cards. Perhaps children could stand in a circle around the pile of cards and take turns to pick one for everyone to do. Cards could equally be shrunk down and placed on a key ring to take out on adventures or featured on an indoor or outdoor display board and referred to with everyone carrying out the activity on floor space in front. Once the children get to know the cards they will be able to relate the action to the picture without necessarily needing the card read to them...For example an adult may be able to simply hold up a card and everyone will be able to do the activity together! For those children who are exceptionally engaged, these cards explored in sequence could even be set to music as a dance performance! Great for physical development, descriptive language, understanding the world and turn taking.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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How many acorns does your squirrel need to store away for Winter? Fun number recognition and counting activity combined with a little messy play! Why not also use whatever art and craft materials you have on hand to also create little acorn hats to place on the tops of the finger print acorns? (E.g. scrunched up pieces of tissue paper, crepe paper/card/coloured paper cut to the right shape, or simply draw little hats once the prints are dry.)
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Numbers 0-20 on squirrels. Create a squirrel number line, or place appropriate number squirrels for your child(ren) in a tuff spot along with acorns. Can children count out the correct number of acorns to give their squirrel? Or play an ordering game…Can you place the squirrels in the right order? Or perhaps play which squirrel is missing? After placing the squirrels in order, take one away. Can your child(ren) work out which one is missing?
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Autumn themed check lists. What will you find on your Autumn walk? Your children will love to use this as part of an out and about hunt activity searching for the various natural Autumn sights. (Versions with and without words provided.)
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Can you make the correct number of acorns for your playdough mat?…Or place the right number of loose part objects on the acorns for your hungry squirrel? Can you make the shape of the number?…Or mould the shape of the squirrel? Great for motor skills, creativity (making simple representations of objects), number recognition and 1:1 correspondence counting!
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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‘Signs of Autumn’ cards. Ideal for use as part of a Autumn display to visually highlight the changes that happen following Summer. Cards can also be used as a great stimulus for communication and language.
When used as part of a display or offered as part of an invitation to play children may initiate communication to you or other children about the cards in a child led fashion. Alternatively, adult led interaction could include closed or open ended questioning. Younger children may point to familiar objects when prompted e.g. ‘Where’s the squirrel?’ and learn new words as you describe to them what is in the picture. As children progress, more ground may be covered such as ‘What colours can you see?’, ‘How many leaves are there in this picture?’, ‘Which is your favourite card?’, ‘Why do you like this picture the best?’, ‘What do you think trees will look like in the Winter?’, ‘Have you seen any of these signs of Autumn?’, ‘Where?’, ‘When?’, ‘Who were you with?’, ‘Shall we go outside and see which of them we can find?’ You may like to use our ‘Autumn Checklists’ as an activity prompt for searching outside.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These ‘Signs of Autumn’ colouring cards may be used in the same way as our ‘Signs of Autumn’ display poster cards with the added bonus that your children may colour them in.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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A selection of Autumn themed colouring pages.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Autumn themed ‘Big’ and ‘Small’ concept colouring sheets. Ideal for provoking communication and language alongside physical development.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Consolidate children’s knowledge of Autumn sights whilst playing a fun game of ‘snap’ (or a memory game of ‘picking up pairs’ if you only print 2 of each card) with this set of large snap cards. The cards are made with a tab which can be folded before lamination in order to strengthen the final product. This also means that when turned over, the picture on the front can not be seen.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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How many acorns does your squirrel need to store away for Winter? Fun number recognition and counting activity combined with a little messy play! Why not also use whatever art and craft materials you have on hand to also create little acorn hats to place on the tops of the finger print acorns? (E.g. scrunched up pieces of tissue paper, crepe paper/card/coloured paper cut to the right shape, or simply draw little hats once the prints are dry.)
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Versatile ‘Autumn’ border paper. File includes colour and black and white versions.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Cut along the vertical lines on this Autumn themed number slice puzzle and allow your children to order the numbers to reveal the complete picture once again. Fun activity for number recognition and ordering skills. Also great for fine motor! Cut and stick use once activity or laminate for repeated use.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Autumn themed size ordering pictures. Intended to be cut out (and ideally laminated) for use by children in repeatable size ordering activities. If you have access to a fuzzy felt board, why not stick velcro tabs on the back so that children can move them around on the board? Alternatively use them as a cut and stick activity (to also strengthen fine motor skills) for the children to take home and discuss with their families using words such as ‘small, smaller, smallest, big, bigger, biggest’.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Can you make the correct number of acorns for your playdough mat?…Or place the right number of loose part objects on the acorns for your hungry squirrel? Can you make the shape of the number?…Or mould the shape of the squirrel? Great for motor skills, creativity (making simple representations of objects), number recognition and 1:1 correspondence counting!
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Count the Autumn objects from 1 to 20. Print one or two numbers to a page for use as part of a display or eight to a page for a set of flashcards.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Autumn Counting sheets which can be used in all the same ways as the full colour posters, with the added bonus that children may colour them. Perhaps your child may like to create their own number line display for their bedroom or play room wall?
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Ideal as part of an 'Autumn' topic. These Autumn themed Snap cards (1-10) can be printed, cut out and laminated to consolidate children's recognition of numbers and Autumn themed objects! Also why not use them to create addition and/or subtraction number sentences?...E.g. place the cards on the floor '4 (bats)' + '1 (fox)' = how many objects all together? (Children can use 1:1 correspondence counting to physically count all of the objects.) For a more robust design, try backing them on card. (Word cards available to help with children's subject knowledge).
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Display this poster in your setting to encourage children to look closely and pay attention to details. Whilst children will benefit from looking at this poster independently, you may choose to ask them open and closed questions about what they can see, how many, the colours, if they were there, what they might be able to hear, feel, smell, etc. Adaptable for all ages, including those very young to begin to categorise and label the world around them developing understanding before speech. In addition as challenges, older children may like to create their own maths problems, write their own word cards for the picture or even make up their own stories based on it (oral, drawings or written). Look out for more 'What can you see?' pictures.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Fun and original game we’ve invented called ‘Squirrel Dash!’ Great for working on addition to 10 and number recognition. Who will gather 10 acorns and make it to the tree first?
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Autumn themed 100 square. Use as part of a display or give to individual children during activities. Also available in A3 size.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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A4 sized portrait Autumn themed reward chart.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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This ‘myth buster’ fact sheet is not intended for use with children, but for practitioner background knowledge. It explains that while lots of animals slow down in winter, they don't all "hibernate" in the same way. The key differences lie in how deeply they sleep, how much control they have over their body temperature, and how easy it is for them to wake up.
We hope you find it useful!
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These masks can be cut out as desired and used for role-play provision.
N.B. The first three animals are true hibernators that sleep through the winter (bat, dormouse & hedgehog). Although the rest of the animals are not true hibernators (bear, badger, turtle, squirrel & butterfly) they do take extended deep sleeps, waking periodically as needed. These animals have been included as they are often seen as hibernators (especially by young children) and are therefore closely linked to this topic.
p2-4 – True Hibernators – Hedgehog, Bat and Dormouse
p5-9 – Winter Sleepers – Bear, Turtle, Badger, Butterfly, Squirrel
COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE IMAGES, FILES & RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. IN DOWNLOADING ANY OF THESE RESOURCES YOU ARE ISSUED A SINGLE LICENCE FOR YOUR OWN USE AND THE RIGHT TO GRANT A LIMITED LICENCE TO YOUR STUDENTS TO USE THE LICENSED MATERIAL AS PART OF YOUR TEACHING AND THEIR OWN USE.
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These masks can be cut out as desired and used for creative craft and role-play provision.
N.B. The first three animals are true hibernators that sleep through the winter (bat, dormouse & hedgehog). Although the rest of the animals are not true hibernators (bear, badger, turtle, squirrel & butterfly) they do take extended deep sleeps, waking periodically as needed. These animals have been included as they are often seen as hibernators (especially by young children) and are therefore closely linked to this topic.
p2-4 – True Hibernators – Hedgehog, Bat and Dormouse
p5-9 – Winter Sleepers – Bear, Turtle, Badger, Butterfly, Squirrel
COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE IMAGES, FILES & RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. IN DOWNLOADING ANY OF THESE RESOURCES YOU ARE ISSUED A SINGLE LICENCE FOR YOUR OWN USE AND THE RIGHT TO GRANT A LIMITED LICENCE TO YOUR STUDENTS TO USE THE LICENSED MATERIAL AS PART OF YOUR TEACHING AND THEIR OWN USE.
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Fact cards explaining hibernation in 12 animals found in the UK. Also explains the variations of hibernating; brumation in cold-blooded animals, diapause in insects, torpor and overwintering.
Animals included: hedgehog, dormouse, squirrel (explains how grey and red squirrels do not actually hibernate), bat, badger, frog, slow worm, ladybird, snail, tortoise, bumblebee and earthworm.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Winter themed check lists (One with words, one without). Your children will love to use this as part of an out and about hunt activity searching for the various Winter sights.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Ideal for use as part of a Winter display to visually highlight the changes that happen following Autumn. Cards can also be used as a great stimulus for communication and language. When used as part of a display or offered as part of an invitation to play children may initiate communication to you or other children about the cards in a child led fashion. Alternatively, adult led interaction could include closed or open ended questioning. Younger children may point to familiar objects when prompted e.g. ‘Where’s the frost?’ and learn new words as you describe to them what is in the picture. As children progress, more ground may be covered such as ‘What colours can you see?’, ‘Which is your favourite card?’, ‘Why do you like this picture the best?’, ‘What do you think trees will look like in the Spring?’, ‘Have you seen any of these signs of Winter?’, ‘Where?’, ‘When?’, ‘Who were you with?’, ‘Shall we go outside and see which of them we can find?’ You may like to use our ‘Winter Checklists’ as an activity prompt for searching outside.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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As with the display full colour versions, these colouring cards are ideal to visually highlight the changes that happen following Autumn. In conjunction with developing fine motor skills and expressive arts and design elements (e.g. the choice of colours), cards can also be used as a great stimulus for communication and language. When offered as part of an invitation to play children may initiate communication to you or other children about the cards in a child led fashion. Alternatively, adult led interaction could include closed or open ended questioning. Younger children may point to familiar objects when prompted e.g. ‘Where’s the tree?’ and learn new words as you describe to them what is in the picture. As children progress, more ground may be covered such as ‘What colours have you used?’, ‘How many snow drop flowers are there in this picture?’, ‘Which is your favourite card?’, ‘Why do you like this picture the best?’, ‘Have you seen any of these signs of Winter?’, ‘Where?’, ‘When?’, ‘Who were you with?’, ‘Shall we go outside and see which of them we can find?’ If children take their pictures home, further consolidation of new vocabulary and Winter facts may arise through additional communication with those at home.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Small birds and animals can find it difficult through the winter months. Here’s a set of cards which provide visual reminders which you may like to display in your setting as discussion points and/or stimuli for activity. They depict things you may like to think about with your children to help your local wildlife.
More resources regarding ‘Helping Wildlife in Winter’ HERE.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Small birds and animals can find it difficult through the winter months. Here’s a poster of visual reminders which you may like to display in your setting as a discussion point and/or stimulus for activity. It depicts things you may like to think about with your children to help your local wildlife.
More resources regarding ‘Helping Wildlife in Winter’ HERE.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Small birds and animals can find it difficult through the winter months. This activity sheet (portrait and landscape versions) highlights a few ways we can help our local wildlife. Gaps underneath text enable children to draw/make marks to illustrate each phrase. Ideas on the sheet…
Leave out fresh water
Gather fallen leaves in piles
Melt a hole in frozen ponds
Provide shelter
Leave out food
Refill empty food and water
More resources regarding ‘Helping Wildlife in Winter’ HERE.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Small birds and animals can find it difficult through the winter months. Here’s a set of colouring cards which provide visual reminders which you may like to display in your setting as discussion points and/or stimuli for activity. They depict things you may like to think about with your children to help your local wildlife.
More resources regarding ‘Helping Wildlife in Winter’ HERE.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Small birds and animals can find it difficult through the winter months. You don’t want to leave out so much food that the animals become dependent on it, but a few tasty treats can be helpful in getting them through the winter months. Here’s a poster showing a few ideas for general foods your local wildlife may like.
More resources regarding ‘Helping Wildlife in Winter’ HERE.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Designed as part of the ‘Helping Wildlife in Winter’ set, this pack of mats can be used for multiple learning intentions. For example…
Learning about squirrels and what they eat
Learning that birds and small animals can be helped during the difficult winter months
Development of fine motor control using mark making tools
Refining observational skills
Improving concentration
Communication and Language development
Ideal for multiple uses with whiteboard pens after lamination.
More resources regarding ‘Helping Wildlife in Winter’ HERE.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Designed as part of the ‘Helping Wildlife in Winter’ set, this pack of pencil control activity sheets can be used for multiple learning intentions. For example…
Learning about squirrels and what they eat
Learning that birds and small animals can be helped during the difficult winter months
Development of fine motor control using mark making tools
Refining observational skills
Improving concentration
Communication and Language development
Ideal for both individual use to ‘take home’ or laminated for multiple uses with whiteboard pens.
More resources regarding ‘Helping Wildlife in Winter’ HERE.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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To be used on a winter walk to identify any footprints you might see. Includes six animals; Deer, Dog, Squirrel, Fox, Badger and Cat. Also works well as part of a winter display.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Footprint matching puzzles with self-checking puzzle edges to encourage independence. Which animal’s footprints might you see during the Winter? Includes six animals; Deer, Dog, Squirrel, Fox, Badger and Cat.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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To be used on a winter walk to identify any footprints you might see. Includes six animals; Deer, Dog, Squirrel, Fox, Badger and Cat. Also works well as part of a winter display.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Animal footprint multimats. These multimats can be coloured or used in conjunction with art and craft cut and stick materials. If laminated they may be used for playdough or loose parts design work.
Includes six animals; Deer, Dog, Squirrel, Fox, Badger and Cat.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These checklists are intended to focus the children on looking for aspects of the natural world around them on a wildlife walk.
The descriptions of each item are broad rather than specific so that there is greater scope for being able to complete each one. For example, the bird section can be ticked off when ANY bird is seen rather than a specific species.
The second sheet has spaces for small drawings/marks when recording what is seen.
Activities, Wildlife, Mark Making/Drawing/Writing, Observation, Take Home, Pencil Control, Fine Motor, Mindfulness, Problem Solving, Discussion Prompts, Checklists/Tally Charts, Winter, Winter page, Birds, Robin, Squirrel, Diapause, Hibernation, Mammals, Fungus, Invertebrates, Ladybird
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These sheets are intended to encourage children to record their expectations and/or observations of the autumn season. They are differentiated by amounts of expected writing.
Activities, Wildlife, Mark Making/Drawing/Writing, Drawing, Observation, Take Home, Pencil Control, Fine Motor, Autumn, Mindfulness, Autumn page, Squirrel
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These fact cards can be used as part of a display or as a stimulus for discussion, writing and drawing before or after time spent in a woodland setting.
10 cards included: Fox, Squirrel, Frog, Badger, Deer, Rabbit, Bank Vole, Long-Eared Bat, Slow Worm & Hedgehog.
Observation, All Year Round - Wildlife, Fact Cards, Posters/Displays, Cards/Flashcards, Number Recognition, Measures - Length, Animals, Discussion Prompts, Autumn page, Winter page, Fox, Squirrel, Frog, Badger, Deer, Rabbit, Vole, Bat, Slow Worm, Hedgehog, Mammals, Amphibians
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These fact cards can be used as part of a display or as a stimulus for discussion, writing and drawing before or after time spent in a woodland setting.
10 cards included: Fox, Squirrel, Frog, Badger, Deer, Rabbit, Bank Vole, Long-Eared Bat, Slow Worm & Hedgehog.
Observation, All Year Round - Wildlife, Fact Cards, Posters/Displays, Cards/Flashcards, Number Recognition, Measures - Length, Animals, Discussion Prompts, Autumn page, Winter page, Fox, Squirrel, Frog, Badger, Deer, Rabbit, Vole, Bat, Slow Worm, Hedgehog, Amphibians, Mammals
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Mega pack of Animal colouring pictures…49 sheets of individual animals to colour including their names.
Great for fine motor, observational skills, colour choice and becoming aware that text has meaning.
Colouring, Fine Motor, Mark Making/Drawing/Writing, Pencil Control, Take Home, Activity, Discussion Prompts, Print Carries Meaning, Cow, Donkey, Deer, Goat, Goose, Chicken, Duck, Dog, Pig, Sheep, Horse, Anteater, Yak, Vulture, Umbrella Bird, Quail, Octopus, Narwhal, Kangaroo, Jellyfish, Iguana, Penguin, Banded Penguin, Sea Lion, Zebra, Wolf, Rhinos, Lion, Meerkat, Komodo Dragon, Giraffe, Flamingo, Elephant, Chimpanzee, Frog, Fox, Robin, Tiger, Rabbit, Cat, Ox, Cockerel, Hen, Swallow, Squirrel, Dormouse, Hedgehog, Bat, Mouse, Badger, Slow Worm, Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, Invertebrate
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These A4 size mats can be laminated for use as playdough mats, or for number writing practice with a whiteboard pen. Alternatively, they can be part of a loose parts activity.
Counting, Fine Motor, Laminate to use with w/b pens, Mark Making/Drawing/Writing, Maths, Number Lines, Number Formation, Number Recognition and Ordering, Playdough/Loose Part Mats, Posters/Displays, Activity, Wolf, Chimpanzee, Cow, Dog, Elephant, Tiger, Goat, Horse, Iguana, Mouse, Kangaroo, Lion, Octopus, Bat, Robin, Pig, Quail, Rabbit, Squirrel, Frog, Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Invertebrate
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Help children to recognise phase 2 sounds by linking them to animal names depicted on the mat. Use as part of a Letters and Sounds display area or table activities as a visual reminder of the sounds.
Letters & Sounds - Phase 2, Posters/Displays, Squirrel, Ant, Tiger, Pig, Iguana, Narwhal, Mouse, Dog, Goose, Octopus, Cat, Donkey, Duck, Elephant, Umbrella Bird, Rabbit, Hen, Butterfly, Frog, Giraffe, Lion, Gorilla, Possum, Mammals, Amphibians, Invertebrate, Birds, Reptiles
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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<<-BACK TO ‘ANIMALS OF THE WORLD’ MENU
<<-BACK TO ‘LETTERS AND SOUNDS - PHASE 2’ MENU
Use as part of a Letters and Sounds display area, tuff spot activity (e.g. match objects in the tray with the appropriate letter/digraph sound), or as flashcards during teaching games with a small group. Help children to recognise these sounds by linking them to animal names depicted on the cards.
Letters & Sounds - Phase 2, Posters/Displays, Squirrel, Ant, Tiger, Pig, Iguana, Narwhal, Mouse, Dog, Goose, Octopus, Cat, Donkey, Duck, Elephant, Umbrella Bird, Rabbit, Hen, Butterfly, Frog, Giraffe, Lion, Gorilla, Possum, Reptiles, Mammals, Invertebrate, Birds, Amphibians
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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<<-BACK TO ‘ANIMALS OF THE WORLD’ MENU
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Phase 2 sound cards with animals to colour which depict the relevant sound.
Letters & Sounds - Phase 2, Colouring, Letter Formation, Pencil Control, Fine Motor, Mark Making/Drawing/Writing, Squirrel, Ant, Tiger, Pig, Iguana, Narwhal, Mouse, Dog, Goose, Octopus, Cat, Donkey, Duck, Elephant, Umbrella Bird, Rabbit, Hen, Butterfly, Frog, Giraffe, Lion, Gorilla, Possum, Mammals, Reptiles, Invertebrate, Birds, Amphibians
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Animal Alphabet flashcards/posters. Three cards to an A4 page. Great for exploring world animals and identifying initial sounds alongside knowledge of the alphabet. Please note that the only letter which is not depicted by an initial sound is ‘x’, which we felt would best be demonstrated to children in ‘fox’.
11 additional VARITAIONS OF THIS PACK AVAILABLE HERE. Including size of cards, orientation, upper and lower case letters. Plus initial sound game and puzzles.
Cards/Flashcards, Alphabet, Ordering Activities, Phonics, Posters/Displays, Reading, Sound Cards, Discussion Prompts, Anteater, Bat, Cow, Dog, Elephant, Frog, Goat, Horse, Iguana, Jellyfish, Kangaroo, Lion, Meerkat, Narwhal, Octopus, Pig, Quail, Rabbit, Squirrel, Tiger, Umbrella Bird, Vulture, Wolf, Fox, Yak, Zebra, Mammals, Birds, Invertebrate, Reptiles, Amphibians, Animal Alphabet/Initial Sounds
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Animals to be matched with their initial sound (apart from ‘x’ which we felt would be best demonstrated to children using the final sound in ‘fox’). Each puzzle connection is unique to allow children to self-correct.
Alphabet, Games, Fine Motor, Matching Activities, Observational Skills, Problem Solving, Phonics, Puzzles, Reading, Activity, Group Activity, Using Shapes for Task, Animal Phonics, Anteater, Bat, Cow, Dog, Elephant, Frog, Amphibians, Mammals, Reptiles, Birds, Invertebrate, Goat, Horse, Iguana, Jellyfish, Kangaroo, Lion, Meerkat, Narwhal, Octopus, Pig, Quail, Rabbit, Squirrel, Tiger, Umbrella Bird, Vulture, Wolf, Fox, Yak, Zebra, Animal Alphabet/Initial Sounds
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Each animal card folds over to create a card with an animal picture on one side and the initial sound on the other. Children can try to match letters to animals, match pairs of animals with the same initial sound or just pairs of letters.
Here’s a couple of games to try. Why not…
1. Lay out a selection of cards with the animal pictures facing upwards. Invite the children to find a pair of animals which start with the same initial sound. Turn the chosen pair over to see if they are right and model sounding out the letter sound on the back to check if they are right.
Alternatively…
2. Place 3 cards on a table with animals facing upwards (2 which match and one which doesn’t). Encourage the children to decide which one is the ‘odd one out’. Turn over the cards to see if they are right and model sounding out the letters to check.
Alphabet, Cards/Flashcards, Games, Matching Activities, Observational Skills, Phonics, Problem Solving, Sound Cards, Turn Taking, Snap Cards, Activity, Group Activity, Ant, Anteater, Butterfly, Bumblebee, Cow, Cat, Duck, Dog, Frog, Fly, Goat, Goose, Horse, Hedgehog, Lion, Ladybird, Meerkat, Mouse, Penguin, Pig, Rabbit, Rhinos, Squirrel, Spider, Animal Alphabet/Initial Sounds
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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These A4 size mats can be laminated for use as playdough mats, or for letter writing practice with a whiteboard pen. Alternatively, they can be part of a loose parts activity.
The first stage is for children to hear the sound that each letter makes in the corresponding animal names. In this set the sounds are all at the beginnings of each word, i.e. the initial sounds (apart from fox which is the final sound to ensure the x makes the relevant sound). At this stage the children will enjoy moulding playdough onto the shapes of the letters and using loose parts lined up to make the letter shapes. This helps to familiarise children with the letters, recognise them and assign sounds to them.
During the final stage, children may express an interest in using mark making tools (a whiteboard pen if you have already laminated the sheet for playdough use) to start to practise fine motor skills and form the letters.
Alphabet, Fine Motor, Laminate to use with w/b pens, Letter Formation, Mark Making/Drawing/Writing, Pencil Control, Playdough/Loose Part Mats, Posters/Displays, Phonics, Reading, Sound Mats, Activity, Zoo, Anteater, Bat, Cow, Dog, Elephant, Frog, Goat, Horse, Iguana, Jellyfish, Kangaroo, Lion, Meerkat, Narwhal, Octopus, Pig, Quail, Rabbit, Squirrel, Tiger, Umbrella Bird, Vulture, Wolf, Fox, Yak, Zebra, Birds, Mammals, Amphibians, Reptiles, Invertebrate, Animal Alphabet/Initial Sounds
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Set of cards and mats for sorting of nocturnal and diurnal animals. A great addition to your continuous provision for a ‘Nocturnal Animals’ theme. The printables can either be left out as an ‘invitation to play’ or set up as a more adult directed activity. Children may use the materials in a very different way to expected, e.g. for small world role-play using the mats as back drops or as prompts for making animal sounds.
Possible adult directed activity:
- Print and laminate the cards being mindful not to leave pointy corners.
- Children to think about when different animals are awake and sort them according to Day and Night.
- Practitioners can choose between colour coded animals for extra scaffolding or uniformly coloured animals for additional challenge.
Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.
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Please visit our ‘Forest School’, ‘Autumn’ or ‘Winter’ pages to browse our entire collection of educational materials on this theme.
Additional Pages you may like to explore which cover relevant &/or Connected themes
CLICK HERE to visit the ‘BEACH SCHOOL’ PAGE.
Printable ‘Beach’ teaching and learning resources include: scavenger hunts/checklists, mindfulness activity cards, cockle shell age poster, senses booklets and prompts, colouring pages, drawing/writing/mark making sheets, shell multimats, playdough/ loose part mats, art and craft activities, templates, pattern cards, natural loose part art prompts/posters, shapes, pre-writing, rockpool fact cards, symmetry, activity/movement challenges, display lettering, sand play and more!
CLICK HERE to visit ‘LIFE CYCLES’ PAGE.
Printable ‘Life Cycle’ teaching and learning resources include: cyclic puzzles, frog, chicken, caterpillar/butterfly, ant/bean life cycle display packs, posters, cut and stick activities, banners, cards, playdough mats and more!
More Early Years Event Pages for January
Thursday 21st January 2027: Let's scamper and learn about squirrels! 🌰 Squirrel Appreciation Day is an annual observance, typically celebrated on January 21st. It was created in 2001 by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife…
Wednesday 20th January 2027: Waddle on over and learn about penguins! 🐧❄️ Penguin Awareness Day is an annual observance, typically celebrated on January 20th…
Sunday 17th January 2027: Let's learn about different ways people believe! 🌍🤝 World Religion Day is an annual observance, typically celebrated on the third Sunday in January. It was initiated in 1950 by the…
Monday 11th - Sunday 17th January 2027 (TBC): Let's green up our learning space! Houseplant Week UK is an annual observance, typically held in early-January. It was launched by The Joy of Plants, an initiative of the Royal…
Big Schools’ Birdwatch: January - February 2026 & Big Garden Birdwatch: Friday 29th - Sunday 31st January 2027 (TBC) | Chirp, tweet, let's count the birds! 🦜🦅 The Big Schools’ Birdwatch and The Big Garden Birdwatch are annual citizen science events organised by the RSPB (Royal Society for the…
Friday 1st - Sunday 31st January 2027: Let's put on our walking shoes (and paws)! 🐾🚶♀️ Walk Your Dog Month is an annual observance, typically celebrated throughout January. It's believed to have originated in the United States as a…
Explore special dates (including awareness dates, festivals, celebrations & events) relevant to your EYFS & KS1 children
Browse our ‘Special Dates Calendar’ page using the link below. You’ll find calendars for every month of the year to aid your planning!
Click here to visit our ‘Special Dates Calendar’ page for an entire year of key EYFS & KS1 events, festivals & celebrations.
Search ‘Little Owls Resources’ Using the following Menu Buttons…
Click here to visit our ‘Special Dates Calendar’ page for an entire year of key EYFS & KS1 events, festivals & celebrations.
Disclaimer:
This page is for educational purposes only and is intended to support early years and primary practitioners with ideas and resources related to 'Squirrel Appreciation Day'. We are not officially affiliated with or endorsed by Christy Hargrove, who created this observance, other than providing a resource link for more information about the day's origins and purpose. We do not claim any rights to specific trademarks or official materials associated with this event. For more information on squirrels and wildlife, you can consult reputable wildlife rehabilitation centres or nature conservation groups.
Saturday 30th January - Sunday 7th February 2027: Once upon a time... there was a special week for stories! 📚🗣️ National Storytelling Week is an annual event in the UK, organised by the Society for Storytelling. It typically takes place during…