# 56. Signs of Animals in Winter: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/naturally-teaching-elementary-a-podcast-for-teachers-and-homeschool-families-6910612/56-signs-of-animals-in-winter-kindergarten-and-3rd-grade-ngss-activities
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/naturally-teaching-elementary-a-podcast-for-teachers-and-homeschool-families-6910612/56-signs-of-animals-in-winter-kindergarten-and-3rd-grade-ngss-activities.md
Podcast: [Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families](https://stenobird.com/podcast/naturally-teaching-elementary-a-podcast-for-teachers-and-homeschool-families-6910612)
Published: 2026-02-09T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode56
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/95925469-82a1-4a48-bb5f-4e134aac268b.mp3
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Duration seconds: 728

## Resource

Sometimes winter seems so lifeless and dull. However, it can actually be a really beneficial time of the year to study animal needs and the components of habitats. Think about it: during a time of scarcity, there are still animals that are active and surviving. Why not investigate what they're finding that keeps them alive? Press play to hear descriptions for an animal signs hike for kindergarteners and a habitat safari for 3rd graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to animal needs and habitats, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level. Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode: K-ESS3-1: Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live. 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all. Resources mentioned 💚 Episode 51: Adapting - Naturally Teaching Elementary Updates and Goals Episode 55: 6 Books About Animals in Winter for Elementary-Aged Students Episode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching Outside “Over and Under the Snow” Picture Book Companion for 3rd Grade “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner: Teaching Animal Adaptations Show Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode56 🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index 🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching 💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeac…

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