This comprehensive pack combines our popular Nature Journal with hands-on activities and creative projects that bring reptiles to life for Key Stage 1 learners. Perfect for Year 1 children, this resource explores the unique characteristics of reptiles through art, science, and investigation while encouraging observation and recording skills.
Included Resources +
This pack includes six activity sheets with accompanying lesson plans and a Nature Journal for recording reptile discoveries, observations, and artwork.
• Nature Journal — interactive notebook for recording reptile discoveries, observations, and artwork
• Reptiles Poster — visual reference showing different types of reptiles and their features
• Label The Reptile — learn about reptile body parts and structure
• Reptile Diets — discover what different reptiles eat and how they hunt
• Scales Printing — create textured prints exploring the unique patterns of reptile scales
• Sculpt And Paint A Snake — hands-on art activity to create a 3D reptile model
Key Details +
• Year Group: Year 1 (ages 5–6)
• Key Stage: KS1
• Subject: Science
• Resource Type: Activity Sheets + Lesson Plans + Nature Journal
• Format: Instant PDF Download
• Number of Activities: 6
Curriculum Alignment +
Aligned to the Year 1 Science National Curriculum. Covers animals including humans — identifying and naming a variety of common animals including reptiles, describing and comparing the structure of a variety of common animals, and identifying and classifying animals by what they eat (carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores). Develops understanding of animal classification and diversity. Cross-curricular links to Art & Design (scales printing, sculpt and paint), DT (3D model making), and scientific drawing and recording through the Nature Journal.
Teaching Tips +
Sculpt And Paint A Snake is the standout activity — use air-dry clay coiled into a snake shape, allow to dry fully, then paint with reptile-inspired patterns. Scales Printing works brilliantly with bubble wrap or textured rollers to simulate scale patterns — experiment with different colours and overlapping prints for striking results. Reptile Diets generates great discussion about carnivores and herbivores — use it as a bridge to the broader animal classification topic. The Reptiles Poster works well displayed as a classroom reference throughout the unit and can be used as a prompt during the Nature Journal recording sessions.
