Notes for adults

Age 3 · 10 min · Easy

Children draw a pet they have or would like to have and talk about its name, food, and sleeping place.

Learning objectives

• Make marks or draw a picture to represent a pet.
• Share something about the pet with the help of questions.
• Choose a name, food, and sleeping place for the pet.

What you need

• Printed activity sheet
• Thick crayons or colored pencils

Safety notes

Use nontoxic, age-appropriate drawing materials. Stay with the child during the activity.

How to do it

1. Place the sheet and crayons within the child's reach.
2. Invite the child to think of a pet they have or would like to have.
3. Show how to make a few marks and explain what they represent.
4. Let the child draw their pet however they like.
5. Read the questions on the sheet and listen to what the child wants to share.
6. Finish by celebrating the child's effort and ideas.

Teaching suggestions

• Read one question at a time and allow time for a response.
• If getting started is hard, suggest two pets or draw together.
• Welcome gestures, single words, and free drawing as ways to share ideas.
• If the child wishes, write down what they say in the margin.
• In a group, invite each child to share their drawing without requiring them to speak.

Variations

• Easier: The child points to or chooses a pet, and an adult helps them draw and answer.
• Harder: Invite the child to add the pet's food and sleeping place to the drawing.
• Extension: Pretend to care for an imaginary pet and talk about what it does during the day.

Talk about it

• What is your pet's name?
• What does your pet eat?
• Where does your pet sleep?
• What does your pet like to play?

What to look for

• Notice whether the child makes marks or draws to represent a pet.
• Notice what the child shares about the pet's name, food, and sleeping place, with or without help.
• Notice whether the child uses words, gestures, or drawing to share ideas.