The Year 2 students at YMCA Christian Academy have been diving deep into their “Live and Let Live” unit, discovering how all living creatures are connected and why we must share our planet respectfully. Through a series of engaging activities both inside and outside the classroom, the children have been learning valuable lessons about conservation, endangered species, and the delicate balance of nature.
The adventure began with an exciting trip to Ocean Park Hong Kong, where students explored the intricate relationships within food chains. The children discovered firsthand how each animal plays a vital role in their ecosystem, and learned that if even one species goes extinct, it creates a ripple effect throughout the entire food chain. The interactive exhibits helped bring these complex concepts to life in a way that seven-year-olds could truly understand and appreciate.
A highlight of the Ocean Park visit was observing the giant pandas in their specially designed enclosures. The students were fascinated to learn about these endangered animals and the conservation efforts in place to protect them. Watching the pandas eat bamboo and play sparked meaningful discussions about why some animals become endangered and what we can do to help protect vulnerable species around the world.
Back in the classroom, the children explored the beloved story “The Tiger Who Came to Tea” from a scientific perspective. This creative literacy lesson helped students distinguish between fictional elements and real animal behavior, as they discussed how a real tiger’s appetite would be quite different from the hungry visitor in the story. The children then channeled their creativity by drawing their own magnificent tigers using oil pastels, producing vibrant artworks that showcased both their artistic skills and their understanding of these beautiful creatures.
The unit culminated in a spectacular “Save the Bees” assembly performance, for which the Year 2 students crafted their own bee costumes with enthusiasm and attention to detail. The children practiced their special song with dedication, eager to share their important message about the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem. Through their performance, they demonstrated their understanding that we must all learn to “live and let live,” sharing our planet harmoniously with all creatures great and small.
This comprehensive unit has not only taught the Year 2 students about animals and ecosystems but has also instilled in them a sense of responsibility toward our environment and all its inhabitants. Their journey from Ocean Park to the assembly stage has been one of discovery, creativity, and growing awareness of the interconnected world we all share.
