Materials
pictures of animals scissors (adult use only)
Instructions
1. Look up the dimensions of an elephant, whale, or another large creature. In a
large open space, roll out several sheets of butcher paper to the length of that
creature.
Note: Because most animals are large to young children, you might want to
start with an animal like a cow or a horse. Once the children understand the
process, you can do this activity with larger animals.
2. Tape these together, side by side, to create a long, wide sheet of paper.
3. Next, draw the life-size outline of that creature. Point out and label important
features such as the head, eyes, mouth, tail, and so on.
4. Have the children color the creature with crayons, markers, or watercolor
paint; you may want to cut off the excess white paper.
5. Now lay the creature on the gym or classroom floor.
6. Ask the children to predict how many children could stand within the
creature's body. How many children could lie down head to toe? Have them
test their hypotheses by counting as each child walks onto the creature one by
one. Write the numbers on a board or poster.
7. Finally, you could make a running game by having the children run, one at a
time, from the head end of the creature to the tail end. They may find that
being timed with a stopwatch or kitchen timer adds to the excitement.
8. Repeat this with other animals.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Do the children understand that the cutout was the length of an actual
animal?
* Do the children estimate how many children could fit in the creature's body?
