Provide each student with a picture of a different parent animal and its young. Have students observe their pictures to find ways the parent and the young resemble each other. Have students partner up and take turns listening and sharing about their animals and how they resembles the parent, giving a high-five to each other for each similarity. Have students glue their pictures in their notebooks and record ways young animals resemble their parents from their partner conversations. 

Some examples of similarities that students might notice include body shape, number of limbs, eye placement on the head, and coloration. They may also notice some differences. For example, a kitten may have different color patterns than its mother. If students bring this up, remind them that the animals have two parents and may look like a combination of both parents.

Oftentimes, when younger students think of animals, they think of mammals.  Scientifically, the animal kingdom includes other organisms such as insects, fish, and snakes. As an educator, it is important to consider introducing students to a variety of animals that resemble their parents. For example, students may notice that a young praying mantis has the same head and body shape and color as a parent praying mantis.

In grade 1, students compare animals that resemble their parents, such as rabbits, catfish, or praying mantises. In grade 2, students will study animals that do not resemble their parents, such as butterflies, ladybugs, and frogs. In grade 3, students will be expected to compare animal and plant life cycles.