Farm Animals

Fine Motor Skills:
Hide figurines of farm animals in a broad but shallow container filled with dried corn kernels.  Give your child a spoon and empty dish and allow them to transfer the corn to the dish.  As your child discovers each animal ask them to identify the animal and tell you what sound it makes.  Once all of the animals have been uncovered talk about where these animals usually live -- on a farm! You and your child may add to the fun by singing Old MacDonald during this project.

Photo:  Learning Resources

Reading Skills:
Read a couple of the following book suggestions to your child:
The Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

Cock-a-doodle-doo Barnyard Hullabaloo by Giles Andreae

Our Farm by Maya Gottfried

Farm Animals by Wade Cooper

Gross Motor:
Ask your child to name their favorite farm animal.  Have your child pretend to be that animal.  For example:  If their favorite animal is a cow, encourage them to walk around on all fours while mooing and pretending to graze on the grass.  

Creativity:
Baaaaa!  Make mini sheep.  You'll need cotton balls, dried black beans, wiggly eyes, and glue.  Create an example for your child and then let them go for it.  While your child is creating their flock, talk about how wool comes from sheep and is used to make soft warm clothing.  Show them a wool sweater or glove from your wardrobe.  Source:  http://www.busybeekidscrafts.com/Mini-Sheep.html

Photo:  www.Busybeekidscrafts.com

Science Project:
Milk, cheese, and butter come from milk.  Why not take the opportunity to churn your own butter?!  Pour some heavy cream (at room temperature) into a plastic jar with a lid.  Add a clean marble to the plastic jar and secure the lid.  Take turns shaking the plastic jar with your child until the cream separates into a solid (butter) and liquid (buttermilk).  This shaking process should take approximately 10 minutes.  Tip:  If your arms get tired from all of the shaking, roll the jar back and forth on the floor with your child.  Source: http://scienceprojectideasforkids.com/2011/churn-butter/

Snack:
Sample your homemade butter on a piece of toast and wash it down with a glass of milk.  While your child is eating read them a silly farm favorite:  Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin.