Notes for adults

Age 6 · 25 min · Easy

Make an animal die, roll it and clap once for each syllable in the animal’s name.

Learning objectives

• Name the six animals on the die.
• Say the name of the animal rolled and clap once for each syllable.
• Take turns while playing.

What you need

• Printed activity sheet
• Child-safe scissors
• Glue or tape
• Pencil

Safety notes

Use child-safe scissors with close adult supervision. Help your child cut out and assemble the die.

How to do it

1. Print the activity and gather the materials.
2. Help your child cut out the die, fold along the lines and glue or tape the tabs.
3. Look at the animals together and say their names.
4. Demonstrate with “butterfly”: say “but-ter-fly” and clap three times, once for each syllable.
5. Invite your child to roll the die, name the animal and clap its syllables.
6. Ask your child to check the animal on the sheet. If it is already checked, roll again without making another mark.
7. When all the animals are checked, talk about which names had more or fewer claps.

Teaching suggestions

• Say each name naturally first, then repeat it slowly while clapping.
• If your child needs help, clap together and repeat as often as they like.
• If clapping is uncomfortable, invite your child to tap the table or make another gesture for each syllable.
• In a group, pass the die around and invite everyone to clap along.
• Try clapping the syllables in the names of familiar people and animals too.

Variations

• Easier: Say the animal’s name slowly and clap along with your child.
• Harder: Before clapping, ask your child to guess how many syllables they will hear, then check together.
• Try more: Choose other animal names and compare their claps with those of the animals on the die.

Talk about it

• How did you work out how many times to clap?
• Which names had more claps? Which had fewer?
• What other animal names could we try?
• Which animal did you like rolling? Why?

What to look for

• Notice whether your child names the animals independently or with support.
• Notice whether your child makes one clap or other gesture for each syllable.
• Notice whether your child participates and waits for their turn.