Directions:

Before reading Nuts to You by Lois Ehlert, ask children if they have ever seen a squirrel. Discuss with them what they know about squirrels. Make a list of children’s answers. Here are a few facts about squirrels:

• There are over 365 species of squirrels.
• Some types of squirrels are the tree squirrel, the ground squirrel, and flying squirrels.
• Squirrels are most active during the winter.
• A baby squirrel weighs about once and is about one inch long.
• An adult squirrel usually lives alone.
• Gray squirrels eat nuts, seeds, and fruit.
• Squirrels chew on tree branches to sharpen their teeth.
• A squirrel’s teeth grow continuously. Their incisors can grow as long as six inches per year, but stay short due to constant wear.
• A squirrel’s brain is about the size of a walnut.

 

Learn more about Squirrel

Read to children Nuts to You, a story about a city squirrel who digs in window pots overflowing with flowers and vegetables, does gymnastics to steal seeds from the birds, and begs for a treat at an apartment window. After reading the book, ask children what they now know about squirrels. Add children’s answers to the previous list.

 

Extension:

Nutty Math

Have children help you collect some acorns for these activities. If acorns are not available, provide a variety of nuts. Have children sort and classify nuts into categories: size, color, type, etc. Weigh the acorns on a balance scale. Have children create number sentences with the nuts. For example, 4 nuts plus 3 nuts equals 7 nuts or 7 nuts minus 3 nuts equals 4 nuts.