Ready to turn learning about animals upside down? Bats may seem scary to some at first, however, they are an important part of the world around us. Young children are usually full of questions once they learn more – and learning about something makes it fascinating instead of frightening! With the right mix of songs, movement, books, and hands-on games, these preschool bat activities and centers can support early learning throughout the day.
Why Teach About Bats?
Bats are the only mammals that can fly, and they play an important role in many ecosystems. Some help control insect populations, while others pollinate plants and spread seeds. In preschool, learning about bats can help children overcome common fears and replace them with curiosity. Real-life photos, books, and songs are great tools for helping students understand and appreciate these fascinating creatures.
Circle Time Activities
Circle time is the perfect place to introduce preschool bat activities in a way that engages students and builds background knowledge. Begin by showing real photos of bats. Let students share what they notice. Let each student share their observations about the different images. Encourage discussion with questions like “How are these bats the same as us? How are they different?”
Of course, learning to music and movement is a fantastic way to keep young learners engaged. A favorite is the W-I-N-G-S song, sung to the familiar tune of B-I-N-G-O. Students flap their arms like wings instead of clapping the missing letters. This activity builds letter recognition too!
Other preschool bat activities also invite students to wonder, move, and share what they notice. Songs like “I’m a Little Brown Bat” help children learn about bat activities, and movement games let them act out how bats fly and hunt for food. Use a quick poll or themed grid game to spark conversation and keep everyone involved. Creative songs and games give preschoolers time to process these new ideas in fun and active ways.
Preschool Bat Centers for Literacy and Math
Hands-on centers are where students explore on their own terms. This bat-themed mini-unit includes a variety of literacy and math activities that reinforce important skills through play. From letter recognition to counting and fine motor work, these centers help students explore core concepts while staying engaged with the exciting new material.
In the literacy center, students can trace lines, practice writing in journals, or explore bat-themed vocabulary cards. Creating a labeling station with a bat illustration can help to strengthen early literacy skills.
Math centers can focus on counting, number recognition, and fine motor skills. The Count & Clip cards offer a quick and hands-on way to practice one-to-one correspondence. Another favorite is the Hungry Bat chip clip game, where students count flies as the bat eats their evening meal. These types of activities support early math concepts while building strength and coordination in small hands.
Books About Bats
Pairing preschool bat activities with engaging read-alouds is a simple way to build vocabulary, support comprehension, and promote curiosity. Whether the goal is to explore bat facts or enjoy a silly story, these books help young learners connect to the theme.
Nonfiction Books about Bats
- Bats by Gail Gibbons – A classic introduction with clear illustrations and child-friendly explanations.
- National Geographic Kids: Bats by Elizabeth Carney – Filled with real photographs, this early reader shares fun facts in an engaging format.
- Zipping, Zapping, Zooming Bats by Ann Earle – Combines science content with rhythmic language, ideal for group reading.
- Fantastic Bats (National Geographic Kids) – Colorful and accessible, perfect for introducing preschoolers to different types of bats.
Fiction Books Featuring Bats
- Stellaluna by Janell Cannon – A beloved story about a young bat learning to embrace her unique identity.
- Bat Jamboree by Kathi Appelt – A silly counting story with a rhyming, musical twist.
- Owl Bat, Bat Owl by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick – Told entirely through pictures, this wordless book encourages discussion about friendship and differences.
- Five Little Bats Flying in the Night by Steve Metzger – A fun spin on the classic “Five Little Monkeys” story.
Preschool Bat Ideas Made Easy
Exploring bats through hands-on preschool activities makes science, literacy, and math feel exciting and accessible. Whether students are labeling body parts, acting out a bat poem, retelling stories, or sorting insects, each experience helps them build knowledge through play. These themed activities support curiosity, strengthen foundational skills, and bring a little nighttime magic into the classroom.
Looking for more fall learning ideas?
Check out these fall felt board stories or Itsy Bitsy Spider sensory table ideas to keep the learning going.
