​​​​​​​​​Materials: None.

STEP 1

Let’s move like different animals! Ask your child, “Which animal do you want to move like first?”

STEP 2

You might hop like bunnies, stomp like dinosaurs, or even slither like snakes. What movements can your child recall?

STEP 3

Continue trying different animal movements. Which did your child like best? Which movements were harder?

MAKE IT EASIER:

Start with movements you already know your child can do in order to build their confidence. Let them lead the way in deciding what movements to try next.

EXTEND THE LEARNING:

Take turns playing “follow the leader” and mimic each other’s movements. Or, play charades and try to guess which animals you are!


WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING?

Your child is learning how to use larger sets of muscles in their body, in a fun andcinteractive way. Pretending to be different animals also encourages your child’s ​imagination and creative thinking skills.

WHY?

Animal movements are a fun way for your child to exercise and learn new ways to move their body. They are learning how to balance, to make movements in a certain order, and to use movement to express themselves!​

child doing a yoga pose