Lesson 20: Animals in Cambodia

Lesson 20: Wild Wonders of Cambodia

Welcome, wildlife explorers! 🐘🐒🐊

Cambodia is home to a rich diversity of animals, from playful monkeys swinging through the jungle canopy to majestic elephants roaming the forests. In this lesson, we’ll discover some of these fascinating creatures, learn their names in English, and explore their unique characteristics. Let’s embark on a wildlife adventure!

Animal Alphabet

1. A is for Animal:

   • Let’s start with the basics! How many animals can you name in English?
   • Work with a partner or in small groups to brainstorm a list of animals you know.
   • Share your list with the class. Can you combine your lists to create a comprehensive animal alphabet?

2. Cambodian Critters:

   • Now, let’s focus on the amazing animals found in Cambodia. Here are a few examples:
     • Elephant: A large, grey mammal with a long trunk and tusks.
     • Monkey: A playful primate with a long tail and nimble hands.
     • Crocodile: A large reptile with sharp teeth and powerful jaws, found in rivers and swamps.
     • Pangolin: A scaly mammal that looks like an anteater.
     • Sun bear: A small, black bear with a distinctive yellow crescent-shaped marking on its chest.
     • Irrawaddy dolphin: A rare dolphin species found in the Mekong River.
   • Can you think of any other Cambodian animals?

3. Animal Match-Up:

   • Your teacher will provide a list of animal names and a set of pictures.
   • Match each animal’s name to its corresponding picture.
   • Check your answers with your classmates.

Animal Antics: Describing and Guessing

Let’s play a game to practice describing and guessing animals!

1. Choose an Animal:

   • Think of one of the Cambodian animals you just learned about.
   • Don’t tell your classmates which animal you chose!

2. Describe It:

   • Describe the animal to your classmates, but don’t say its name. Use details about its appearance, habitat, and behavior.
   • Example: “This animal is big and gray. It has a long trunk and tusks. It lives in the forest and eats plants.”

3. Guess the Animal:

   • Your classmates will try to guess which animal you are describing.

Artist’s Corner: Drawing Our Favorite Animals

1. Choose Your Favorite:

   • Select your favorite Cambodian animal from the ones you learned about.

2. Sketching Time:

   • On a piece of paper, draw a picture of your chosen animal.
   • Be as creative and detailed as you like!
   • Add labels to your drawing to identify the animal’s body parts and features.

3. Gallery Walk:

   • Share your drawings with the class in a gallery walk.
   • Discuss the different animals you chose and why they are your favorites.

Did You Know? Cambodia is home to the critically endangered Mekong giant catfish, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world.

Your Turn!

The animal kingdom is vast and fascinating. Keep exploring and learning about the amazing creatures that share our planet!