Live Programs and Classroom Resources

Bring the Smithsonian into your preschool or Head Start classroom! We explore popular Pre-K themes like the five senses; patterns, colors, and shapes; or weather and space with live virtual field trips to the National Zoo and creative classroom activities.

Each 30-minute virtual field trip features music, movement, and amazing animals to introduce these topics. Then extend the learning with playful, easy-to-use activities from across the Smithsonian that meet early learning standards.

Upcoming Programs

A pink jackalope puppet stands in the center surrounded by a black and white cow and a reddish-brown pig on their left. On their right is a white alpaca and a brown and black goat.
May 16, 2024 at 2 pm ET

Happy Birthday, Head Start!

Happy birthday, Head Start! How do animals keep their bodies healthy year-round? Join the Smithsonian's National Zoo to learn about animals at our Kids' Farm with special resources from the National Portrait Gallery and other Smithsonian museums.

Content Unit:

Our Bodies and the Five Senses

Standards:

Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3

Cost:

Free

Languages:

English, Spanish (simulcast)

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Recorded Programs and Resources

a pink jackalope puppet with curly hair and eyeglasses waves with a sea lion to her left and two sea lions on the right.
March 21, 2024 at 2 pm ET

Do Sea Lions Wear Sunglasses?

How do Gray seals, California sea lions, and other animals stay comfortable in different weather and habitats? Join the National Zoo to learn about seals and sea lions with special resources from the National Air and Space Museum!

Content Unit:

Weather and Space

Standards:

Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3

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A pink jackalope puppet with curly hair and glasses waves as an elephant to her left raises its trunk over her head and two elephants to her right stand.
January 18, 2024 at 2 pm ET

Me, You, and Elephants, Too!

Join the herd as we learn about identity and community with our Asian elephants!

Content:

Identity and Community

Standards:

Supports Head Start ELOF Goals P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3

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A pink jackalope puppet with curly hair and glasses stands in front and next to three cheetahs.
November 16, 2023 at 2 pm ET

Pre-Math With Cheetahs

Counting with colorful creatures is the best way to learn pre-math concepts!

Content:

Early Math Concepts

Standards:

ELOF P-SCI-1; P-SCI-2; P-SCI-3

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Pinky and Flamingo Banner
May 18, 2023 at 2 pm ET

Happy Bird-Day, Head Start!

Celebrate Head Start's birthday with the flock-stars of the National Zoo: the flamingos! But wait, where's Pinky? Can you help us find her in the Zoo?

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Pinky puppet and elephant
March 2, 2023 at 2 pm ET

Elephant March

Can elephants do yoga? What about the hokey-pokey? Join in the fun with the National Zoo's Asian elephants.

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pinky puppet with bobcat
January 19, 2023 at 2 pm ET

Cats of All Kinds

Lions, tigers, spots, and stripes. Meet the cats of the National Zoo!

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Screaming Hairy Armadillo straw background
October 20, 2022 at 2 pm ET

Small Mammal Sing-Along

What makes a mammal a mammal? Sherman the armadillo and Manny the tamandua help us sing, dance, and play as we learn!

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Featured Resources

Pinky puppet and American History educator

Teacher Treasure Hunt

Smithsonian early learning experts share some of their favorite teaching strategies!

pinky puppet with elephants

Smithsonian Treasure Hunt

Discover treasures from across the Smithsonian with Pinky!

Colorful rocket made out of construction paper shapes

Rocket Shapes!

The National Air and Space Museum helps your students learn about shapes!

Head Start Asks the Smithsonian

Head Start classrooms nationwide asked us their questions about cats of all kinds. How loud is a lion's roar? Do big cats chase butterflies? Let's find out the answers with educators from across the Smithsonian!