Skill
Explores Living Things
Child observes plants and animals and learns what living things need to grow.
Ages 30–60 months
Why it matters
Exploring living things helps children sort the world into living and nonliving and to understand that plants and animals need food, water, air, and care. This early biology builds empathy for living creatures and a sense of how growth and life cycles work.
Builds toward this milestone
- observes and describes observable phenomena (objects, materials, organisms, and events). — Head Start ELOF
What mastery looks like
- Names at least two things a plant or animal needs to live, such as water, food, or sunlight.
- Distinguishes some living things from nonliving objects and explains a reason.
How to observe it
- Does the child notice changes in a growing plant or animal over time and comment on them?
- When asked, can the child explain that a living thing needs care to stay healthy?
Accessibility
- Offer close-up images, textured models, or sound recordings for children who cannot handle living specimens directly.
Safety
- Wash hands after touching plants, soil, or animals, and supervise to prevent mouthing of seeds, leaves, or insects.
Activities
Evidence
- Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Early Atlas