Defining an animal as a mammal requires an attention to basic details regarding the animal's genetic makeup and innate physical propensity. Three determining factors that qualify an animal as a mammal is that it is warm-blooded, has hair and also holds the ability to be able to produce milk. Create a lesson plan that focuses on all animals that have these qualities in common and help children be able to easily identify mammals. Pay attention to visual cues that point to one or more of these factors and discuss which animals nurse their babies.
Placental mammals are one type of classification of the overall category of mammals. Animals falling under this category's subheading are all considered to be live and fully formed babies at birth. Examples of this categorization include armadillos, foxes, giraffes, chimpanzees, tigers and sheep. Warthogs, lions and panda bears also fall into this grouping. The average panda bear eats 50 pounds of bamboo a day and has a gestation period of four months.
Mammals called marsupials earned classification into this grouping because of the pouch that each of their body's possess. Examples of this type of mammal include kangaroos, koala bears and wombats. North American and Australian possums also have pouches and carry their young safely around in them. A Bandicoot, which also fits into this category, is an animal that looks like a cross between a small rabbit and a large rat.
Monotreme mammals are unique from the other two types of mammals in that they lay eggs. The echidna is one animal that is classified as monotreme. These mammals are the approximate size of an armadillo. They have prickly needles that protrude out of their outer shells and visually resemble the hedgehog or porcupine. A platypus is another type of monotreme mammal. Platypuses have webbed feet that help them maneuver swiftly through water. They also use their tails for steering.
Numerous online, card and board games are available that help students learn interesting mammal facts in an entertaining and engaging way. When engaging in class story time, pick books that reflect a theme or that day's focused animal. Enchanted Learning is one website that offers animal games, activities and worksheets. National Geographic is another online option that gives children necessary animal facts in an interesting manner.