Montessori Materials for Parts of the Turtle Activity

Once the child has learned about the classes of vertebrates, particularly the Reptiles, they might be interested in learning about the parts of the turtle.

Turtles have existed for over 250 million years, which is even longer than dinosaurs. They are not related to dinosaurs, though. Studying turtles is a great way to learn about zoology.

Before learning about their parts, have the child observe an actual turtle or a model to help them have a more concrete grasp on the subject.

Table of Contents

Materials to Support Learning the Parts of the Turtle
- Turtle Puzzle
- Turtle Model
Printable Activities to Learn the Parts of the Turtle
Explore Other Parts of Vertebrates

Materials to Support Learning the Parts of the Turtle

Turtle Puzzle

Includes knobs for easier holding and parts involving different parts of the animal, which helps isolate the part from the whole.

Turtle Model

With enough detail, this is great for observing the different parts of the turtle, with variety of common species. Size is not too small and perfect for little hands.

You can also provide printable materials to support this learning and help the child know the different parts of the turtle.

Printable Activities to Learn the Parts of the Turtle

1. Montessori Zoology 5-Part Nomenclature Cards

The Parts of a Turtle Activity can help children improve their reading skills and learn new words. This teaches children the proper names for all of a turtle’s basic body parts.

This learning material have a brown border around each card and include a set of cards with 5 parts including the definitions and a booklet with descriptions about each part of the turtle. This is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 6.

Material

Each part of the turtle has a set of 5 cards made up of:
1. Control card – contains the picture and label; it allows the child to SELF-CORRECT when matching the picture card and the label card.
2. Picture card – allows the child to focus on the image alone to examine the details better. It can also be matched to the control card for non-reading learners to help them engage in learning each of the cards individually.
3. Label card – aids in name identifying, reading, spelling, and writing. It is matched to the picture card and the child determines correctness using the control card.
4. Definition card – serves as the control card for matching the blank definition card with the label card.
5. Blank definition card – provides an engaging activity for the child to better remember the definitions. This is matched to the label card and the control card with image and label.

Prerequisite

– Some experience with an actual turtle (or a model), if possible (See above)
– Child should make observations for a week of each part of the turtle: eyes, nostrils, mouth, head, neck, plastron, carapace, legs, claws, tail
– Life cycle of the turtle

Control of Error

– Control Cards

Direct Aims

– learn about the different parts of the turtle
– develop their understanding of the definition of these parts

Indirect Aims

– Improve child’s vocabulary
– Develop reading skills
– Learn the basics of zoology

Presentation

The Montessori guide teaches children how to use Zoology Nomenclature Cards through two presentations

– First, the guide lays out the control cards and demonstrates how to match the picture and label to the control.
– Next, the student matches the pictures and labels, and checks their work with the control of error cards.
– Use the definition card to describe each part.
– Once the children are familiar with the definitions of the parts of the turtle, give them the corresponding definitions to match with the pictures.
– Then allow the child to match the blank definition card with the label card.

Zoology Nomenclature Cards are unique to Montessori classrooms and provide an engaging alternative to textbooks and worksheets. They are a beautiful resource that encourages children to learn concepts, rather than rush through to “finish” a worksheet.

Get the Cards & BOOKleTs here

2. Control Chart and Fill-in Posters

After learning the individual parts of the turtle, display the wall chart and invite the child to make her own wall chart of the parts of the turtle with these printable poster sheets of 3 different charts:

With color and label
Without color, with label
Without color, without label

Parts of the turtle montessori zoology turtle anatomy tortoise 5 part cards

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