Living and Non-Living Things Worksheets
Sorting through the difference between living and non-living things is something we do almost automatically, but for kids, it opens up a whole new way of observing the world. These Living and Non-Living Things Worksheets are a hands-on way to explore those concepts, and honestly, my kids had a blast working through them.
If you haven’t browsed my list of Fun Printable Kindergarten Worksheets , it’s full of no-prep activities just like this. They’re simple, age-appropriate, and great for keeping kids engaged without a lot of complicated preparation.
This printable covers coloring, sorting, drawing, and writing, so there’s a nice variety to keep your child’s attention. I’ll walk you through the details below and share some ideas and recommendations to make the most of this activity.
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Curious Facts About Living and Non-Living Things
It’s always fun to throw in some surprising science tidbits when we do these activities together. Here are a few facts that might even get a “really?!” from your child:
Living Things
- Plants can respond to touch. There are certain plants, like the mimosa, that actually fold their leaves when touched.
- Some animals don’t need sunlight. Deep-sea creatures thrive in total darkness and get energy from chemicals instead of the sun.
Non-Living Things
- Some things look alive but aren’t. Clouds move and change shape, but they don’t eat, grow, or reproduce.
- Crystals grow but aren’t living. Even though they form and change over time, crystals don’t breathe, eat, or reproduce, which means they aren’t alive.
Books About Living and Non-living Things
If you want to keep the learning going, some great picture books explore this topic in fun and age-appropriate ways.
living and non living books for kids: living or nonliving ? compare and contrast book, First Step Nonfiction for all kids in kindergarten Preschool and grade +3Living Things and Nonliving Things: First Step Nonfiction to choose between Living or Nonliving things ,Compare and Contrast Book to knows Every thing … and non living things for kids , kindergartenIs It Living or Nonliving? (Science Inquiry)Living and Nonliving in the Polar Regions (Heinemann Read and Learn: Is It Living or Nonliving?)I Am Josephine: (And I Am a Living Thing)Living and Nonliving in the Ocean (Heinemann Read and Learn: Is It Living or Nonliving?)
Why Do Kids Need to Learn the Difference?
It may seem simple, but determining what constitutes living and what does not helps children understand the basics of biology and the world around them.
- Observation Skills: Encouraging children to study how things move, grow, or behave gets them to slow down and really look at the world.
- Science Vocabulary: Learning terms like grow, breathe, and reproduce builds a strong foundation for future science topics.
- Critical Thinking: Asking questions like “Why is a rock not living?” gets kids thinking about reasoning and cause-and-effect relationships.
Recommended Life Science Printable Packs
I also keep a few other go-to printable science packs handy that pair well with this one. They’re great for reinforcing the concept through different seasonal or topic-based activities.
What Skills Will Kids Practice?
This printable covers more than just science. It’s also helping kids practice early learning skills in multiple areas.
- Sorting and Categorizing: Identifying and grouping pictures encourages logic and classification.
- Fine Motor Practice: With cutting, coloring, and drawing involved, these worksheets help strengthen small hand muscles and coordination.
- Early Writing: Kids will write words, trace letters, and copy simple terms that connect with the activity.
Life Science Toys to Explore
If your child is hands-on, there are some great toys that support this topic through play and exploration.
Edulok Life Cycle Toys for Kids, Toddler Puzzles, Preschool Science Kits for Kids 3-5, Kindergarten Learning Activities, Learning Education Toys, PreK Classroom Essentials, Homeschool SuppliesLife Cycle Toys for Kids – Life Science Education Kits: Ladybug, Ants, Goose, Land Turtle, Snail, Octopus – 24 Pieces Animal Models STEM Learning Toys for 3-10 Year OldEducational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope Featuring Bindi Irwin: Microscope for Kids, STEM & Science Toy, Interactive Learning, Ages 3+Take It to Your Seat Science Centers, Grades PreK-KMelissa & Doug National Parks Wooden Picture Matching Magnetic Game – FSC CertifiedToymany Reptile Animal Figurine Toys Set, 12 PCS Desert Amphibians Animal Figures with Komodo Dragon Lizard Snake Chameleon Rainforest Cold Blooded Animals Figures Party Favor for Kids
Living and Non-living Things Activity Pack Supplies
- Printer (I have this one)
- Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
I have the HP printer 8710, but it’s not available anymore. It’s been running well for years now. Look for another HP Instant Ink-ready printer so that you can use their program to send you ink cartridges whenever your printer gets low on ink.
What’s included in the printable living vs. non-living things pages?
Color the Living Things
Your child will scan a collection of objects and creatures and color only the ones that are alive. This one was a hit at our house because we talked through each item together.
Living and Non-living Things Sort
Cut and paste fun here. Kids cut out each image and decide where it belongs. I liked how this worksheet led to a couple of thoughtful conversations.
Non-Living Things List
A mini scavenger hunt on paper. After identifying six non-living things, your child writes each name down at the bottom, which is a great way to combine spelling and science.
Living or Non-living
Each picture has a space for your child to label it with “living” or “non-living.” This page works well as a quick review after doing the other sheets.
I Can Draw
In two boxes, kids draw examples of things that need water and things that don’t grow. They also trace the words “Living Things” and “Non-living Things” to label their drawings.
Fun Kindergarten Science Worksheets to Try
There’s always something new to try in our printable collection if your child loves science time.
- Human Body Printables
- Ocean Animals Food Chain Printables
- Parts of Ocean Animals Worksheets
- Body Parts Preschool Printables by Homeschool Preschool
- Parts of a Plant Worksheet by Homeschool of 1
If you’re looking for a simple way to ease into science during your lessons, this printable is a solid choice. It keeps things fun, clear, and just the right length to hold their attention.