Free Printable - 10 Types Of Vertebrates And 10 Types Of Invertebrates

Teaching children about different types of animals is not only fascinating but also important for their intellectual development. The world of animal kingdom can be categorized into two main groups: vertebrates and invertebrates. Preschool is an ideal age to introduce and sort these animals into their respective groups. With our free fall sorting preschool printable, children can learn about 10 types of vertebrates and 10 types of invertebrates in a fun and interactive way. Let’s dive into the world of animals with this exciting activity!

Vertebrate animals are animals that have a backbone or a spinal column while invertebrate animals are animals that have no backbone or spinal column. Vertebrate animals include mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Invertebrate animals include insects, spiders, crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. Vertebrate animals generally have a more complex internal structure and nervous system while invertebrate animals have a simpler structure. Some examples of vertebrate animals are dogs, chickens, fish, frogs, and snakes, while some examples of invertebrate animals are butterflies, spiders, crabs, oysters, and earthworms.

Vertebrate animals in autumn:

Migrate: Many birds and some mammals, such as deer and elk, migrate to warmer climates during the autumn.

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Hibernate: Some vertebrate animals, such as bears, hibernate during the autumn and winter months.

Change color: Some vertebrate animals, such as chameleons, can change their skin color to match their surroundings during the autumn.

Shed: Many animals, such as deer and elk, shed their antlers during the autumn to prepare for the winter.

Invertebrate animals in autumn:

Collect food: Many invertebrate animals, such as bees, ants, and spiders, collect food during the autumn to prepare for the winter.

Prepare for hibernation: Some invertebrate animals, such as butterflies and ladybugs, prepare for hibernation during the autumn.

Change behavior: Some invertebrate animals, such as snails and slugs, change their behavior during the autumn to protect themselves from the colder weather.

Suspend activity: Some invertebrate animals, such as certain insects and spiders, suspend their activity during the autumn and winter months.

Observing vertebrate and invertebrate animals in autumn can be a fun and educational experience for children. Here are some tips:

Look for insects: In autumn, there are many different types of insects that can be found, such as ladybugs, butterflies, and spiders. Kids can observe these insects and learn about their behavior and habitat.
Visit a wildlife sanctuary: Wildlife sanctuaries and parks are great places to observe vertebrate animals such as deer, birds, and squirrels. Kids can watch the animals, take notes and learn about their habits.
Observe aquatic life: Lakes and ponds are great places to observe aquatic life such as fish, turtles, and frogs. Kids can watch the animals from the shore or bring a net to catch and observe them up close.
Check out puddles: After rain, puddles can attract a variety of invertebrates such as snails, slugs, and worms. Kids can observe these creatures up close and learn about their unique behaviors.
Explore a garden: In autumn, gardens are still teeming with life. Kids can search for invertebrates such as earthworms and beetles, as well as observe the behavior of birds and other vertebrates.

Remind to children to always respect the animals and their habitat, and never disturb or harm any creatures.

Invertebrate and vertebrate animals in autumn – free printable

labeled cards with vertebrate animals x 10
labeled cards with invertebrate animals x 10

Print on card stock and laminate for longer use. After cutting cards, draw with a marker or stick dot stickers to the back of each set – one color for each set. Place the label cards in a row. Explain the difference between the two types of animals. Invite the child to sort cards into two categories.

After the child completed the task, invite him or her to flip the cards and self-check. Each card has to be under the correct category based on the dot color.

Young children can be encouraged to match the animal cards when printed twice and draw the animals they like the most using their choice of art medium.

Older children might be inspired to research and create their own books about vertebrates and invertebrates that dwell in your region and are generally encountered during the fall season.

When exploring vertebrates and invertebrates with your children you might like to give some of these hands-on activities a go:

Make a skeleton using playdough to point out the difference between the two types of animal groups.
Gather a magnifying glass next time you go outdoors and invite the children to explore insects they find in the dry leaves and catch.
Gather Safari TOOB figurines and invite the children to sort animals into two groups – vertebrates and invertebrates
Explore the most common vertebrates and invertebrates found in your area – make a poster with your students.
Discuss in a small group all the different ways children can protect animals in their natural habitat.