Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Learning · The activity desk
Read and draw an animal story
Choose an animal picture book and make a drawing inspired by it.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
An age-appropriate animal picture book, paper and large child-appropriate crayons
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Choose a book together from home or a library and find a comfortable place to read.
Adult's role: Read aloud, follow the child's interest and invite them to notice the pictures. Accept pointing, words or gestures as responses.
Let's make it happen
- Look at the cover and choose an animal to notice while reading.
- Read together, pausing when your child wants to look more closely or ask a question.
- Draw your own animal and tell or imagine what it might do next.
Make it simpler: Look at one picture together and point to an animal.
Clean up: Put the book, paper and crayons away.
Choose an age-appropriate book and intact crayons. Stay nearby and stop when the child wants a break.