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Tiger Tales

Tigers are the largest cats on Earth. Students will learn about these magnificent creatures, then write a poem and create a drawing of a tiger.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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Steps

  • Step 1

    Tigers are magnificent creatures that evolved in and live exclusively (except for those in zoos) in Asia. The Latin name for tiger is "panthera tigris." "Panthera" is from the Greek word meaning "hunter" and "tigris" is from the Persian or Sanskrit meaning "fast" or "arrow-like." Have students learn some facts about tigers. For example, they did not descend from prehistoric saber-tooth tigers and are not closely related to them. They can retract their claws, making them silent hunters. Stripes cover not only their fur, but also their skin so that they can remain camouflaged even if their fur is missing. Domestic cats share about 95% of their DNA with tigers. And unlike lions, who will fight to the death over a kill, tigers will share meals and take turns eating.

  • Step 2

    Have students write an original poem about a tiger or tigers using some of the information they learned. Then ask them to create a drawing that illustrates their poems. 

  • Step 3

    Have students read their poems and present their art to the class, then display the artwork in the classroom.

Standards

LA: Write using words, numbers, and images to inform and explain, share experiences, and create narratives, either fictional or non-fictional.

SCI: Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information based on evidence.

Adaptations

Tigers are an endangered species, with some species such as the Bali tiger, the Caspian tiger, and the Javan tiger, already extinct. Have students learn about the threats to their existence and what is being done to protect them and increase their population.

Tigers have symbolic significance in many cultures. Have students explore some examples of this. For example, in Chinese mythology and culture the tiger is one of the 12 animals of the zodiac. In Bhutan, the tiger is venerated as one of the four powerful animals called the "four dignities."