Flash cards with the names of animals on one side and the sounds they make on the other are a good way to introduce children to farm animals and the noises they make. Flash cards with a picture of the animal as well as the name can enhance the lesson. Go around the room and ask students to make the sound of each animal or flip the card around and ask them to identify the animal by the sound displayed.
Food activities can help teach elementary kids about farm animals and how they serve as an integral part of our food system. Using photographs of various foods, including eggs, milk and cheese, beef, pork chops and bacon, have students identify or draw pictures of the animals that produce those foods.
Farm dioramas are ideal for group projects. Materials needed include small plastic farm animals, craft sticks and glue for building, and hay for decorating. Place students in groups and allow them to work together to create their own farms and place the animals in the appropriate places in the diorama.
Arranging class trips to a farm can give children hands-on experience. Many farmers are willing to allow these visits. A farm visit gives children the chance to see the behavior of animals on the farm, to experience the smells, to touch animals and to hear their sounds firsthand. More than any other activity, this can be an effective way to teach elementary students about life on the farm and how to care for the animals.