Close up of a Kangaroo Island Kangaroo as it faces forward surrounded by bushland behind.

Early Childhood

Year levels

Early Childhood

Cost

See Plan Your Visit 

Availability

Monday to Friday (during school term)

Children will learn to connect to wildlife through movement and storytelling. They will explore how animals are the same and different from themselves.

Program description

In Early Connections your children will use their senses to develop their connection and understanding of animals. Children will feel safe, secure and supported to explore and learn about how animals are similar to themselves and how they differ. Being surrounded by animals will inspire a sense of wonder, intrigue and curiosity in your children.

Children will learn:

  • The basic needs of animals
  • How animals are different and similar to themselves
  • How to explore their natural environment using their senses

Program sequence

Before your visit

Connect  

Use the activities in the Teaching Guide (below) to spark children's curiosity before their zoo visit.

During your visit

Connect and Understand

Children will learn what makes animals special by using their senses, through movement and stories.

Your Park visit will include: an introduction to the day, Zoo Teacher workshop (30 minutes), and a self guided walking trail. Check out your Teaching Guide for other ideas of what to do at the Park.

After your visit

Understand

Use activities in the Teaching Guide to deepen children's learning back at your early childhood service.

Act

Use the Teaching Guide to enable children to master their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.

Program maps and itineraries

Your booking confirmation email will list your group's education workshop time/s.

Program resources

Learning outcomes

Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
  • Children will learn ways to care for the environment and contribute to a sustainable future

Plan your excursion

This program is an outdoor all-weather program; children will need appropriate clothing for weather conditions. This could include a raincoat, hat and sun protection. 

School groups will enter Melbourne Zoo via the Rail Gate entrance. Organising teachers please check in with our Admissions team upon arrival. More Information. 

Book your education experience

Fill out an online form to request a booking for your zoo education experience

Request booking now

You will need to know the following to book your zoo excursion or online workshop:

  • Education program of your choice (if applicable)
  • Preferred date
  • School name and address
  • Contact details of organising teacher
  • Number of students/classes and their year level