Needs and Characteristics of Living Things: Montessori inspired biology, zoology or botany tool. Children compare how an elephant, sunflower and fungi meet their needs using the MRS GREN mnemonic.This works well after the second great story and is ideal for homeschool or elementary classroom.Help students learn what makes an animal , fungi or plant a living thing by learning the definition of Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, Nutrition with real examplesIncl