Brief Description
A shell is a hard, protective outer layer covering animals like snails, turtles, clams, and crabs. It acts as a shield to keep them safe, can be a permanent home for some or a hard covering that grows with them. Eggs and nuts also have shells.
How to Talk About This Term with Young Children
Talk with children about animal features that help them stay safe. “Feel how hard the shell is on this turtle – he can crawl in there to stay safe”.