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  • Colorful cartoon bear Walk like a bear!
  • Colorful cartoon frog Hop like a frog!
  • Colorful cartoon baby penguin Sway like a penguin!
  • Colorful cartoon snake Slither like a snake!
kids-education.com - Let's Move Like Animals

Notes for adults

Age 1 · 5 min · Easy

Show animal pictures and have fun copying their movements. Your child can walk, sway, crawl or move in their own way.

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

Safety notes

Stay with your child and within reach throughout the activity. Use a clear space with a soft, firm surface. Never force a movement or expect your child to jump or walk without support. Offer firm support or a seated option.

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

  • Easier: Show just one animal and make a small movement, such as swaying while sitting.
  • Harder: Show two pictures, one at a time, and invite your child to try a different movement for each.
  • Extend the play: Later in the day, remember one of the animals and repeat its movement together.

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.