Leopard Gecko Mini-Unit 🌟

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Use this collection of worksheets to introduce your students to the leopard gecko! This unit is designed to focus on 10 specific vocabulary words pertaining to the leopard gecko, and presents them in a variety of ways. It also incorporates basic math practice, measurements, gecko body parts, and diurnal vs. nocturnal behavior. 

  Phoenix the leopard gecko came to live in our classroom through a grant from Pets in the Classroom, an organization that promotes education through integrating animals in schools. The grant was easy to apply for, and paid for the entire enclosure, supplies, and most of the cost of the gecko herself. Click the picture below to check them out!

 When I went to buy the gecko, I had to drive two hours to get to our nearest Petsmart. The attendant helping me lifted the rock house to reveal a scared, single gecko, the last one for sale. She turned to me and stated, "Oh, you probably don't want this one. It's missing part of the tail." Well, being a teacher of Special Education, I realize that we all have something that isn't quite "perfect"! I couldn't snatch this special little gecko up fast enough! 

Geckos have a cool talent that they can detach their tail if they are grabbed by a predator. Well, this poor gecko must have been handled too roughly at the pet store, but I was surprised how fast a new tail grew back! I took pictures of the regrowth, and have a page for letting your students measure the rate at which her tail grew back. 

 Phoenix has become the star of our classroom! Each student has learned all about her, and when we get visitors to our room, they can put their communication skills to use. We have students from general education come into our class daily now to see how she is doing, sort of a form of reverse integration!

This unit includes:
Leopard Gecko reading passage
Vocabulary matching page
Diurnal/Nocturnal page
Body parts (Blank and filled in)
Basic math puzzle page
Gecko tail growth pictures
Gecko tail growth questions
Gecko tail growth answer key
Gecko multiplication worksheet (Rainbow gecko)
Crossword
Wordsearch/word scramble
Gecko writing prompt
Full page of clip art (images you can use in your own work)

 

This unit was designed for a middle school special education classroom. As such, I tried to create differentiated material so that all students in the classroom could be working on similar material, while still being challenged. I also have a very similar unit plan using the African Pygmy Hedgehog as the subject also available in my shop.

To purchase, click here: Leopard Gecko Mini-Unit
Thanks for visiting, and happy teaching!
 :) Mrs. K

Lego Patterning Activity 🌟

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   Who can deny that Lego blocks are one of the hottest toys around? I remember making houses and boats when I would go to my Grandma's house as a kid. This inventive toy is still around, and is a great way to motivate even reluctant learners to get creative! 

      This activity uses pre-made cards you simply have to print out to start teach patterning and sequencing to your students.

     The set includes 10 cards and one blank master so that you can add your own colors. Cards 1-6 have one blank square at the bottom; the student can follow the existing pattern to determine what color should come next. Cards 7-10 have six Lego squares that the student has to identify and place in correct order. The final page has a blank outline so you can add your own color pattern. Enjoy! 

I found that laminated sleeves and a binder-pocket worked best to keep the Legos tidy and organized. The binder then fits great into an area for stations, and volunteers or Para-Educators can grab it when they have a few extra minutes between transitions. 

 

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Thanks for looking, and happy teaching! 

9734 Mrs. K

Stonehenge Project Build-it yourself 🌟

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 Perfect for little hands, this do-it-yourself project will let everyone get involved!

 

  
    The project consists of three pieces of paper, two with Stonehenge blocks, and one of the base. Just print the base out on green paper, and print the two stone sheets on white paper (or even better, some stone-looking paper used for scrap-booking!). Each little stone is printed on both sides, with a number on the bottom. Your students just have to find the matching number on the green paper, and tape or glue them down (A great way to reinforce number sense without them knowing, shhh!)

 Use the sun or a flashlight to see how the light shines through Stonehenge. Perfect for studying an equinox or the seasons. 

 Each stone block was hand-drawn by me, based on the real blocks at Stonehenge. I love making learning "hands-on" for my students, and they loved this project!

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Thanks for looking, and happy teaching!

:) Mrs. K