Move Like Animals

💡 About this activity

🎯 Learning objectives

• Try at least one animal-inspired movement.
• Watch or copy a gesture demonstrated by an adult.
• Point to, look at or react to an animal picture when an adult names it.

🧺 What you need

• Printed page with animal pictures
• Clear space with a soft, firm surface

👣 How to do it

1. Prepare a clear space with a soft, firm surface.
2. Show one picture and name the animal.
3. Read the prompt and demonstrate a simple movement.
4. Invite your child to try the movement in their own way, without forcing them.
5. Show the other animals one at a time, while your child is interested.
6. Finish by looking at the pictures and celebrating the movements your child tried.

🍎 Teaching suggestions

• For the bear, walk slowly or crawl. For the snake, slide your hands or crawl along the floor.
• For the frog, bend and straighten your knees. Don't expect your child to jump.
• Say, “The penguin sways from side to side!” and show the movement slowly.
• Offer firm support or do the movements sitting down together if your child prefers.
• In a group, show one picture at a time and give each child room to move.

🔀 Variations

💬 Talk about it

• What do you see in this picture?
• How would you like to move like the bear?
• What does your body do when you sway?
• Which animal would you like to copy now?

👀 What to look for

• Notice whether your child looks at, points to or reacts to the picture.
• Watch for your child trying a movement or gesture inspired by an animal.
• Notice whether your child watches or tries to copy your demonstration.