Let’s be real—teaching young kids about the needs of plants and animals sounds simple… until someone raises their hand and says, “My dog needs a bed.”
Yep, that actually happened.
But seriously, this is one of those life science topics that looks basic on paper but takes some thoughtful planning to really click for little learners. Whether you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or curious parent, I’m here to help you make it click—without spending hours prepping or overcomplicating things. Keep reading to discover Needs of Plants and Animals Worksheets that I made for my students.
What Do Plants and Animals Really Need?
First things first: we’re talking basic needs—not wants, not hobbies, not sparkly accessories.
For both plants and animals, that means:
- Food
- Water
- Air
- Shelter
(And for plants, let’s add sunlight too.)
This is foundational science stuff, and it sets the stage for learning about habitats and ecosystems later on. The earlier kids get this, the better.
Why This Topic Trips Kids Up
You’d think this would be super obvious, right? But here’s the thing—kids mix up needs vs. wants all the time.
They’ll say things like:
- “My cat needs a birthday party.”
- “A plant needs glitter.”
- “I need chicken nuggets.”
Okay, that last one might be valid.
Plus, they sometimes assume that plants and animals have the same needs as humans—or that all living things need the same things in the same way. So we’ve got to help them make those subtle but important distinctions.
Tips for Teaching the Needs of Plants and Animals
1. Bring in Real Examples
One of the best ways to teach is by using things they can see and touch. Bring in a houseplant and a toy animal, or head outside for a nature walk if possible. Show them that plants need sunlight, water, air, and space to grow, just like animals need food, water, air, and shelter. Kids connect with real things, so let them see it in action. Ask questions like, “What do you think this plant needs to grow tall?” or “How does this bird find its home?” Let the kids help you brainstorm answers.
2. Keep Things Concrete
Abstract ideas like “nutrients” or “photosynthesis” can be confusing at this stage. Stick with simple, concrete concepts. Don’t just tell them plants need water—show them! Water one plant, and skip watering the other. When the second one wilts, they’ll understand what happens when plants don’t get what they need. Use hands-on activities to demonstrate the basic needs in real-time.
3. Sorting and Matching Activities
Young kids love cut-and-paste stuff. It’s hands-on, visual, and reinforces the difference between “needs” and “not needs” in a fun, simple way.
4. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Instead of just asking “What do plants need?” get them thinking by asking questions like:
- “What would happen if a plant didn’t get water?”
- “Can a bear survive without shelter in the winter?”
- “Why do you think fish need water?”
This encourages students to think critically and explain their reasoning, which helps them process and understand the information better. You’ll also catch any misconceptions early, so you can correct them in real-time.
My Favorite Needs of Plants and Animals Worksheets (and Why You’ll Love Them)
Okay, here’s the part where I brag on a resource I made that seriously saved my own sanity.
👉 These no-prep worksheets are everything I wish I had when I first taught this unit.
Here’s what’s included:
- Explore living things outside
- Identify needs of plants and animals
- Identify human needs
- Cut-and-paste sorting (yes, it’s fun!)
- Match animals to the food and shelters they need
- Compare plant and animal needs (hello, Venn diagram!)
- Quiz + answer key (because assessing shouldn’t be stressful)
That’s 11 worksheets + 11 answer keys = easy teaching for you, meaningful learning for your students.
📌 Grab the worksheets on my TPT store here.
Final Thought (From One Tired Teacher to Another)
You don’t need flashy slides or a Pinterest-perfect lesson. Just real-world connections, a little fun, and solid, low-prep tools that get the job done. These Needs of Plants and Animals Worksheets are that kind of tool.
Try ’em. Trust your teaching instincts. And remember—it’s totally okay if your student thinks their pet goldfish needs a backpack.
You’ve got this. 💚
