Collect stories, rhymes, songs and poems about pigs to read each day. Incorporate other learning into the story as appropriate. For example, after reading the story make a list of words beginning with the letter "p" or discuss what other animals you would find living on a farm. Include both fiction and nonfiction literature so children can learn the differences between the two genres. Possible titles include "This Little Pig-a-wig and other Rhymes about Pigs," "To Market, To Market," "Pigs from A to Z" and "Piggies."
Create a KWL chart. A KWL chart is a three-column chart with the headings "Know," "Want to Know" and "Learned." Ask children what they know about pigs. Then ask students what they want to learn. Return to the chart after the lesson to fill in the final column. Discuss such topics as anatomy, where they live, what they eat, what they look like and why they are useful to humans.
Make "pig slop" after discussing what and how pigs eat. Put a mixture of oatmeal, raisins, nuts or crackers in a "trough." Let children eat the slop with a spoon or try it with only their mouths as real pigs would. Other pig-themed snacks include soggy cornflakes or pigs in a blanket.
Discuss the reasons pigs roll in the mud -- to stay cool and keep bugs off. Cut out pig shapes from pink construction paper. Place a small amount of brown paint in the middle of the pig. Children can use their fingers, sponges or paint brushes to paint brown "mud" on their pig.
Play "Mother Pig," a listening game for a group of six to 12 children. Designate one child to be the mother pig, who must leave the room. Designate another student to be the baby pig, who must quietly "oink" while the mother pig walks around. The baby pig, and all the other pigs, sit at tables with their heads down. The mother pig comes back into the room and walks around listening for her baby.