Early years
We have fun sessions for three to five year olds, which include movement, sound, storytelling and animals. Our sessions, ‘Minibeasts and me’, African experience, Rainforest experience and ‘Polar experience,’ link to the foundation stage.
‘Rose was excellent with the children. She was enthusiastic, patient and when the children got a bit over-excited, she knew exactly how to deal with them in a positive manner.’
Foundation Stage teacher, February 2010.
‘Claudy gave an excellent session for the age of the children with a good mix of listening and involvement.’
Foundation Stage teacher, February 2010.
‘We all thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fantastic- Amy pitched it at the right level for the children.’
Foundation Stage teacher, April 2009.
Prices for group visits can be found by clicking here.
EYFS Profile & Assessment scale links
PSED Dispositions 6,7,8; Social development 4,5,6; Emotional development 4
CLL Language for communication 4,7. KUW 4,5. CrD 7.
Polar experience - (October half-term to Easter)
During this 45 minute session, a polar explorer greets the group and takes them to an ‘ice cave’ to escape the roaring winds outside. The subjects we cover include:
• how animals and explorers survive in cold environments
• features of polar regions, including weather and locations
• the life of an Antarctic penguin through the seasons.
The children experience sounds and lighting, a film clip, role-play, dressing up, biofacts, and they get to meet live animals.
We also do a shorter version of this called Snowbound for preschool children, which is just half an hour and costs £25.00
African experience(Easter to October half-term)
During this 45 minute session, the group goes on safari to the African savannah and enters a camouflaged tent through which they hear the calls of the animals outside. The subjects we cover include:
- Features of the African savannah environment, including weather and locations
- How animals are suited to a savannah environment
- Pros and cons of tourism and protecting the savannah environment
The children experience sounds, biofacts and and they get to meet live animals.
Minibeasts and me
During this 45-minute session, we look closely at minibeast bodies and investigate whether minibeasts are as different to us as they look. The subjects we cover include:
• how humans are animals too
• the differences and similarities between minibeasts (invertebrates) and us
• how minibeasts eat, grow, reproduce, move and use senses.
The children experience role-play, biofacts and they get to meet live animals.
Rainforest experience
During this 45-minute session, the group will enter a rainforest clearing to the sound of night-time calls in this special habitat. The subjects we cover include:
- Features of rainforests, including weather and locations
- How animals are suited to their rainforest environment
- Human use of rainforests and protecting rainforests
- Experiences - lighting, sounds, forest products, sorting biofacts and live animals
The children experience, lighting, sounds, forest products, sorting biofacts and they get to meet live animals
Session details
Duration: 45 minutes.
Classrooms: We will use one of our four themed classrooms to create an exciting learning environment.
Animals: You may meet up to three live animals per session (unless otherwise stated). Animals include tame reptiles, small mammals and invertebrates.
Biofacts: We use items such as skins, furs, tusks, horns, shells and stuffed specimens in most sessions (many are confiscations from HM Revenue and Customs).
Multimedia: Short film clips are often shown to support your chosen topic. Close-up cameras may be used to show extra detail of our smaller animals.
Or, let the Zoo come to you
We want to make our education programme available to everyone. To find out more information (including prices and availability) or to book us please call 0117 9747363/65 or email ndruce@bristolzoo.org.uk
Call 0117 9747369 or email education@bristolzoo.org.ukif you’d like to know more.
