Animal Pairs

Animal Pairs lesson plan

  • 1.

    This game has many possibilities, so let children lead the way that most intrigues them and that fits their skills. Whenever an art project is done with children ages 3 and younger, close adult supervision is required to ensure safety. Younger children te

  • 2.

    Children could match any pairs, adult and baby animals, pets only, birds, or some other theme. Talk about animal names, babies and adults (puppy, dog), groups (pride of lions), and other science words.

  • 3.

    Study beautiful animal illustrations in children's literature, such as books by Brian Wildsmith.

  • 4.

    To make the cards: Look through recycled magazines. Find small pictures of animals. Cut them out with Crayola® Scissors if you are 4 or older. Tear out pictures if you are 3 or younger.

  • 5.

    Sort through the pictures to find 12 pairs of animals. Use Crayola® Glue Sticks to attach the animal pairs to index cards.

  • 6.

    To play Animal Pairs: Play with two or three friends. Mix the cards. Place them face down in four rows.

  • 7.

    Each player in turn chooses two cards. If the cards have matching animals, keep the cards and take another turn. If the animals are different, turn the cards face down for the next player's turn.

  • 8.

    The game starts again when all cards are matched.

Benefits

  • Reading Pictures
  • Vocabulary
  • Physical: Eye - Hand Coordination
  • Physical: Small Muscles
  • Social & Emotional: Making Friends
  • Social & Emotional: Negotiating
  • Thinking: Observing
  • Thinking: Problem Solving
  • Thinking: Understanding Concepts