C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Organisms & Life Processes·language

Living Things Vocabulary

Name and use vocabulary for what makes something living — alive, dead, never been alive, movement, nutrition, growth, reproduction, sensitivity, excretion — and apply these terms when classifying objects and explaining why plants and animals count as living things

Suggested ages 5–7

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Learning journey

Your child is learning about the amazing diversity of life — identifying different animals and plants, understanding how body parts help animals survive, and discovering what all living things need to stay alive.

Evidence of understanding

  • Correctly classify objects as living, dead, or never been alive and give a reason using one of the life process terms
  • Name at least five life processes using the correct vocabulary
  • Explain why a plant is alive using at least two life process words

Assessment prompt

Can Living Things Vocabulary explain why a rock is not alive but a weed is — using a science word like 'nutrition' or 'growth' rather than just saying 'it moves'?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.