Francine C. Coss
The 'dictionary definition' of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles has been provided as a point of origin for future discussion and comparison. The description of each pet type can be easily understood by children grades 3 and up. Children in Kindergarten through grade 2 may need additional definition of 'warm-blooded', 'cold-blooded,' 'backbone,' etc.
warm-blooded
Having blood that stays at about the same temperature no matter what the temperature is of the air or water around the animal. Cats are warm-blooded; snakes are cold-blooded.
cold-blooded
Having blood that is about the same temperature as the air or water around the animal. The blood of such animals is colder in the winter than in summer. Turtles are cold-blooded; dogs are warm-blooded.
The main bone along the middle of the back in human beings, horses, birds, snakes, frogs, fish, and many other animals; spine.
mammal
One of a group of warm-blooded animals with a backbone and usually having hair. Mammals feed their young with milk from the mother's breasts. Human beings, cattle, dogs, cats and whales are examples of mammals. Mammals in our classroom: Rabbit (named 'Chew"), two guinea pigs (to be added for an example of reproduction in action!)
bird
One of a group of warm-blooded animals that have a backbone, feathers, two legs, and wings. Birds lay eggs; most birds can fly. Birds in our classroom: Chicks (hatched from eggs).
fish
One of a group of cold-blooded animals with a long backbone that live in water and have gills stead of lungs. Fish are usually covered with scales and have fins for swimming. Some kinds of fish lay eggs in the water; others produce living young. Fish in our classroom: Goldfish (and/or other hardy fish); possibly some pumpkin-seed sunfish from Edgewood Park (local pond).
reptile
One of a group of cold-blooded animals that have backbones and lungs and are usually covered with scales. Snakes, lizards, turtles, alligators and crocodiles are examples of reptiles. Reptiles in our classroom: A visiting snake and a visiting lizard (come on now...we're running out of room!)