Biome Sorting Mats For Forests

Biomes can be such a confusing topic for kids. Describing the difference between a biome and a habitat can be hard for them to comprehend. Then talking about the different classifications of biomes can be even more difficult. This set of free printable forest biome sorting mats will help kids to understand the difference between deciduous forests and rainforest along with the animals that live in each biome.

To prep: Print the forest biome sorting mats & animal cards, laminate and cut apart.

To use: Have the kids sort the twelve different animals into the correct forest home.

Not only does this introduce kids to amazing animals like jaguars, howler monkeys and hedgehogs, it also gives them an opportunity to think deeper about the differences between the two types of forests.

Rainforests are warmer than most deciduous forests, so more reptiles can survive there and birds don’t migrate away because of cold weather.

Different foods can be found in each forest type.

The bright colors in the rainforests can provide camouflage to brighter animals while the browns of the deciduous forests are better for brown or more plainly-colored animals.

You can also talk about the different canopies of the trees.

For a fun extension on this activity, if you live in an area of a deciduous forest, you might want to go on a hike to see if you can spot some of the animals. (I can just look in my trashcan at night and find a raccoon…)

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