When introducing penguins to preschoolers, start with the basics and give the children an overview on what makes penguins different than the birds they see every day. Explain to the children that penguins are birds that cannot fly, survive on a diet of fish instead of worms or bird seed, and live in some of the coldest climates on Earth. As you teach preschoolers penguin basics, be sure to show plenty of pictures for the children to enjoy.
When discussing penguin basics with preschoolers, transition into lessons on their environment by discussing their affinity for cold climates. Penguins are warm-blooded animals that have a layer of blubber to insulate them, which will help students understand why penguins live where they do. While you talk about the cold climate where penguins live and even some of the other animals that live there, pull out a map and show students Antarctica and southern Chile and Argentina, where penguins are found.
There are a variety of films available that have been made about penguins and can be readily implemented into your lessons. This is an excellent way to acclimate preschoolers to both penguins and their environment because it gives them an interactive visual to aid with their learning. Preschoolers will enjoy watching penguins at play in their environment.
When preschoolers have a grasp on their newly learned penguin lessons, and have a better understanding of the climate where penguins are found, you can let them take a more active role in their lessons. One way to do this is to have a penguin arts and crafts session. You can print coloring pages or let the children create their own drawings. Another activity that students can participate in is a penguin race. Similar to a sack race, tie student's legs loosely together at the ankles and have them waddle to the finish line.