Notes for adults

Age 2 · 8 min · Easy

Match each farm mom to her baby. With an adult's help, name the animals and notice how they look alike.

Learning objectives

• Point to the babies that match at least two of the moms.
• Name or point to familiar animals when their names are spoken.
• Draw a line between two pictures, with help if needed.

What you need

• Printed activity sheet
• Thick crayon

Safety notes

An adult should supervise throughout the activity. Use a thick, age-appropriate crayon and keep it out of your child's mouth.

How to do it

1. Place the sheet and crayon on a firm surface.
2. Point to the animals and say their names.
3. Point to the cow and look for the calf together.
4. Draw a line between the cow and calf to show how to match them.
5. Invite your child to find and connect the other pairs, helping as needed.
6. When you finish, point to the pairs together.

Teaching suggestions

• Say, “This is the sheep. Where do you think her lamb is?”
• If it's tricky, cover some pictures with your hand and offer two choices.
• It's fine for your child to point instead of drawing. Help with the crayon only if they want you to.
• Talk about animals your child has seen in books or around the neighborhood.
• Praise their effort: “You looked carefully to find the baby!”

Variations

• Easier: Show just two pairs at a time and let your child point.
• Harder: Invite your child to find the pairs without pointing out the choices and to say any names they know.
• Extend the play: Take turns making the sounds or movements of the animals on the page.

Talk about it

• What do you notice about these two animals?
• How do you think this baby animal moves?
• Which animal would you like to pretend to be?
• Where have you seen an animal like this?

What to look for

• Notice whether your child points to the babies that match at least two moms.
• Notice which animals your child names or points to when you say their names.
• Watch for an attempt to draw a line between pictures, with or without help.