Explore how Caribbean animal parents care for their young, from sea turtles on the beach to chickens in the yard and coqui frogs in the rainforest.
Caribbean islands are home to many wonderful animal families. Sea turtles nest on our beaches, chickens and their chicks are common in our villages, coqui frogs call through the night, and pelicans raise their young near our shores. Each animal family has special ways of caring for their babies!
Animal Families in Our Islands helps students understand parent-offspring relationships by exploring how Caribbean animals care for their young. Through videos, role-play, and discussion, students discover that animal babies send signals to their parents and parents respond to meet their babies' needs - just like in human families!
Life Science: Animal Behaviors
Mother turtles dig nests on Caribbean beaches and bury their eggs in the sand. The babies must hatch and find their way to the ocean all by themselves!
Discuss: Why do you think turtle mothers leave before babies hatch?
Mother hens keep chicks warm under their wings, teach them to find food by scratching the ground, and make loud warning calls when danger is near.
Discuss: What sounds do chicks make when they need their mother?
In Puerto Rico and other islands, FATHER coqui frogs guard the eggs! He keeps them moist and protects them until they hatch into tiny froglets.
Discuss: How is this different from chicken families?
BOTH pelican parents take turns feeding their chicks. They catch fish and store them in their big pouch beaks, then feed the babies!
Discuss: Why might it help when both parents take care of babies?
Play recordings of baby animal sounds. Can students guess which animal?
Match pictures of adult Caribbean animals with their babies.
If near a beach, arrange a supervised visit to learn about turtle nesting.
If possible, observe local chickens and chicks to see real parent-baby interactions.
"How do baby chicks tell their mother they're hungry?"
"Why do you think the mother hen makes a loud sound when she sees danger?"
"How are your parents like animal parents?"
"Why is it special that father coqui frogs take care of the eggs?"
"What would happen if baby animals couldn't signal for help?"
