Here are a few fun facts and lesson plans to share with preschoolers about one of Australia’s most famous animals.
1. Koalas sleep about 18-20 hours a day!
2. They eat lots of eucalyptus leaves which makes them quite sleepy and dopey. (By dopey, I mean a relaxed high.)
3. Koalas are frequently called Koala bears, but they are not bears. They are marsupials and have a pouch for their young.
4. Koalas live for about 20 years in the wild.
5. Each koala needs approximately 100 eucalyptus trees to survive. Deforestation and development threaten their species.
Homeschool or Enrichment Lesson Ideas
1. Bring in eucalyptus leaves for children to touch and smell.
2. Have a koala puppet eat leaves and take frequent naps as he relays fun facts to your child.
3. Polish wood with eucalyptus oil. Be sure to smell it.
4. Find Australia on a map and either put a koala sticker or draw a koala on it.
5. Draw a koala freehand or with a coloring sheet. Glue or tape some eucalyptus leaves so he won’t get hungry.
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