Materials
images of ladybugs
red and black clay
small wiggle eyes
Instructions
Ask the children, one at a time, to tell you their favorite animal only one
word, such as "tiger" or "dog." Ask them to repeat this as you go around
the circle.
2. Once the children can do it fairly quickly, tell them they are going to use
animal sounds instead of animal names.
3. Ask what noise their animals make. These will be varied. For example, dogs
can say "woof," "bow-wow," "ruff-ruff," "growl," and so on.
4. Ask the children to choose what their animals are going to say, including less
vocal ones, such as fish, rabbits, and other animals. Give suggestions if
necessary, such as "bubble-bubble" for fish, a high-pitched squeak for a mouse
and a deep one for a rat, or "slither-slither" for a snake.
5. Go around the circle again. This time, have the children make their animal
sounds in turn.
6. Suggest that the children "sing" their sounds any way they want to and go
around again. The result should be a funny, varied, and exciting.
7. The children will love performing their animal song for a different group of
children or their parents and family members on a special occasion.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tip
* Extend this activity by asking the children to make up an action to accompany
their pet sound, such as stroking a purring cat or cleaning whiskers.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Ask the children which animals do not make a noise.
* Say animal names and ask the children to make the appropriate noise.
* Are the children able to wait their turn before shouting out their sound?
