Activity 2 - Let’s Make Friends

Some animals that live around us are the victims of our prejudices, myths and ignorance that makes them very unpopular with many people. In this activity you set the kids straight about some of the creatures and make them friends, hopefully for life.

Who knows, maybe you’ll be tackling some of your own prejudices !

• Take a look at Factsheet Creatures ! which gives some facts about four much-maligned animal groups, namely : geckos, snakes, spiders and bats. Decide which of the animals you want to focus on.

• Talk to the children about these animals. Draw out misconceptions and tell them some amazing facts, emphasising that these animals are "our friends."

• The children now design a bookmark with a slogan, for example : "Bats are my Friends" or "Geckos are Gorgeous." The bookmark should carry a drawing / picture of the animal. Children may make more than one bookmark.

• Make a display with the finished bookmarks.

• Take a picture of the display and send it together with the Feedback Form. You may send us a selection of bookmarks, but this is not necessary. You need a minimum of 50 bookmarks to qualify.

• To make this activity more exciting, run the activity in the whole school, and turn it into a competition for the best bookmark. Appoint judges and decide on a closing date, participants and display area.

• You will of course need prizes for your winners. See if you can get these donated by a local outlet such as stationery, toyshop, bookshop etc. This bit ties in with Activity 13

Bookmarks – 100 points

Competition – 100 points