Toddlers learn language best when words are paired with movement and sound. This bonus activity encourages children to listen, move their bodies, and explore animal sounds in a playful, low-pressure way.
This activity pairs well with zoo-themed books and animal play and can be repeated often with no setup.
Skills Supported
- Language Development – animal names and sounds
- Listening & Attention
- Gross Motor Development
- Imitation & Memory
Materials
- Zoo animal toys or animal picture cards
- Open space to move
How to Do the Activity
- Place a few zoo animals on the floor or hold them in a basket.
- Pick one animal and name it out loud.
- “This is a lion.”
- Make the animal sound together.
- “Roar!”
- Add a simple movement:
- Lion → stomp
- Snake → slither arms
- Monkey → jump
- Invite your child to copy the sound, the movement, or both.
There’s no need for your child to do everything. Watching and listening still counts as learning.
How This Activity Grows With Your Child
For Younger Toddlers (around Age 1):
The focus is on listening, watching, and exploring sounds. Your child may smile, move their body, or repeat a sound.
For Older Toddlers (around Age 2):
Children may begin choosing the animal, naming it, and leading the movement themselves.
The same activity grows naturally with your child’s confidence and language skills.
Bonus Activity Note
This is a bonus activity meant to add variety and movement to your month. It works well between table activities or when your child needs to move their body.