The animal kingdom is so complex, there really isn’t a limit to the educational opportunities it has to offer. Animals are the perfect way to introduce children to biology, ecology, even sociology!

Sure, The Fox doesn’t seem like a gateway song, but it talks about the food chain, habitats, and how humans have viewed foxes in the past.

Songs about animals offer great ways to get children asking questions. Go ahead and talk about the animals in the song and what you know about them.
For example:
   - What are the differences between foxes and dogs?
   - What would you like to know more about these animals?
   - Is there a fox at the local zoo?
   - How are foxes (ducks, geese...) represented in literature?

If your child has a particular fondness of a certain animal or environment, use it in as many subjects as possible. Animals aren’t limited to science by any means.

A day at the zoo will make all of the animals seen in books and on TV real. Elephants are huge in person! It takes seeing one up close to realize how big an elephant is. Books like Curious George Visits the Zoo, An A to Z Walk In the Park, and Good Night, Gorilla are fun to read before a zoo outing. 

Research projects for older children also gain meaning when they can see animals in person.

You don't have to look very far for wildlife. Playgrounds and backyards have their own little ecosystems, too. Chickadees may not be as exciting as Scarlet Macaws but they are still appealing to children. Let's not forget that every animal has a place in this world. 

You never know; something as simple as a folk song could inspire a lifelong love for the animal kingdom. See our Animal Songs collection for a little inspiration.