Up on the Housetop, Reindeer Paws?! Tracking Santa Through the Snow
We're checking out clues to see whether we can catch Santa in the act! Meanwhile, we'll learn about the various tracks that North American animals leave in the snow. Critical thinking, Zoology, Veterinary. Christmas.
Heidi Lathrem, MA: Homesteading/Farm & Video Games
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(613)
What's included
1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade Pre-Kindergarten - 2
Do reindeer really have paws? And what kind of footprint would they leave? Following the clues of various tracks left in the snow, we'll answer these and more critter questions as we try to track down Santa on his holiday delivery rounds. In this one-time class, learners will work together to: * Analyze various photos of North American animal tracks * Try to identify the animals they belong to * Briefly discuss the animals featured (dog, cat, squirrel, rabbit, bear, reindeer, etc.) * Talk about some fun facts and basic animal features - including why they leave the tracks they leave. * Track down Santa before he leaves the area This class is discussion-based and uses photo prompts. Learners are also welcome to bring a stuffy to class to introduce and share. Learners are encouraged to: * Take a moment to introduce themselves * Interact and participate verbally * Take turns answering and contributing to class discussion If there is extra time, we may also play some Santa trivia, such as: Where does Santa live? What are the names of his reindeer? What does Santa like to say? What is Santa's favorite snack? What food item does Santa's belly look like when he laughs? How does Santa sneak into a house? How does Santa travel? This class uses a rural and low-bandwidth friendly slideshow presentation.
Learning Goals
Learners will practice taking turns, critical thinking, and extrapolation.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This holiday-themed class will be mainly about the identification of animals using tracks left in the snow. The premise is trying to track down Santa on his annual present delivery route. We will be discussing which type of clues to look for: sleigh tracks, reindeer, boot marks, etc. Since the teacher is in North America, the Santa culture will be one common to the USA: a fat, jolly older North-Pole dwelling gent dressed in red with white trim who rides around in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve. Belief in Santa is helpful for learners in this class. Any questions about presents or specific Santa-related things will be met with a suggestion to write a letter to Mr. Claus himself to answer. :)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
613reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been homesteading for more than two decades: living on a timber farm, raising a garden, wildcrafting from forage, and raising various animals, including: horses, dairy goats, waterfowl, turkeys, chickens, rabbits, dogs, and cats. I also served as a veterinary assistant for seven years in a small animal clinic. We have lots of animal tracks around our wooded homestead property.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
25 min
Completed by 17 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 5-9
2-6 learners per class
