Materials
paper
tempera paint
shallow pans or dishes
Instructions
l Display the animals in a row at the front of the classroom.
l Display an object of the same color in each animal's lap or hands.
l Cover each animal with a paper towel, up to its neck like a blanket, as if each
animal is sleeping. The object in each animal's lap should be hidden by the
paper towel.
What to Do
1. Tell the children that each animal's name is the same as its color. For example,
"The blue whale's name is Blue. The red monkey's name is Red," and so on.
2. Remove the "blanket" from the first animal in line, as the children say, "Good
morning, Blue."
3. Tell the children what Blue is holding (a blue car).
4. Uncover the next animal as children say, "Good morning, Red." Tell the
children what the animal is holding.
5. Continue the activity until all eight animals have been greeted.
6. At the end of the day, repeat the activity, saying "goodnight" to each animal as
you cover them back up.
7. Each morning, place a new matching-color object in the lap of each animal.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
l Pet each animal individually as the children say the color and name of each
animal. Ask the children questions such as, "What is Blue holding?" "What is
Yellow holding?" Invite children to describe the object and its color.
