A kindergarten activity inspired by Self-Determination Theory: design your own animal world

This activity combines autonomy support and structure in an engaging, challenging task tailored to the learning needs of gifted preschoolers. It helps them work independently, think creatively, and deepen their interests within a safe, structured learning environment.

Learning objective

The learning objective of this assignment is to provide gifted preschoolers with a challenging and meaningful learning experience that aligns with their interests while giving them the space to work independently within a structured environment. The assignment focuses on fostering creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaboration, with autonomy support and structure integrated throughout.

Preparation

1. Introduce choice
   Start by asking the children about their interests. For example, ask questions like, "Which animals do you find fascinating?" or "What would you like to create or explore about nature?" Use their responses to frame the assignment.
   
   

2. Prepare materials
   Gather materials already available in the classroom, such as craft paper, markers, clay, toy animals, a globe, children’s books about animals and nature, and simple digital tools like a tablet for watching short videos.
   
   

3. Set clear expectations
   Prepare a brief explanation of the task: the children will design an "animal world." Explain that they can choose which animal to focus on and how they want to create their world (drawing, building, or playing). Also, emphasize why this project is important: they’ll learn to collaborate, think creatively, and explore their favorite animal.
   
   

4. Provide structure
   Break the assignment into three clear steps:

   • Step 1: Discovery – Gather information about their chosen animal.

   • Step 2: Design – Decide how to create their animal world.

   • Step 3: Presentation – Share their creation and explain their choices.

Implementation

1. Step 1: Discovery (autonomy support)
   Start with a group discussion where children share their chosen animal and ideas. Use books, toy animals, or videos to inspire them. Allow them to choose whether to work alone or with a friend. Encourage them to ask questions like, "Where does your animal live?" or "What does it eat?"
   
   

2. Step 2: Design (structure and autonomy support)
   Let the children decide how they want to create their animal world: using craft materials, building with blocks, or making a drawing. Provide a clear timeline (e.g., "You can work on this until recess. After that, we’ll look at what everyone has made together."). Walk around and give specific feedback, such as: "I see you’ve made a lot of trees. How do the trees help your animal?"
   
   

3. Step 3: Presentation (structure)
   Have each child present their animal world to the group. Provide clear instructions, like: "Share two sentences about what makes your animal special and why you created this world." Encourage collaboration by prompting children to ask each other questions, such as: "What do you like most about this animal world?"

Reflection and feedback

• Process-oriented feedback
  Give compliments focused on the process, such as: "I noticed how much thought you put into where your animal lives. That makes your animal world really special." or "Great job explaining why your animal needs those plants."
  
  

• Fostering a growth mindset
  If something was challenging, say: "What do you think you might do differently next time?" This helps them view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

Practical example

A kindergartener chooses the giraffe as their animal. In phase 1, they explore a book about giraffes and learn that giraffes have long necks to eat leaves from tall trees. In phase 2, they decide to create a landscape using paper and cardboard, featuring trees and grassy fields. They ask for help drawing a large giraffe and place it in the landscape. During the presentation, they proudly explain how their giraffe lives and what it eats. The teacher praises their creativity and asks how they would ensure the giraffe has access to water.

Materials list

• Craft paper and cardboard

• Markers, paint, glue, and scissors

• Building materials like blocks

• Books and toy animals

• Globe or map

• Tablet for short videos

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Sabine Sypré – All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the author. Sharing online is permitted provided the author is credited and a link to this article is included.