Safari

The Hook:

Set up a tent in your backyard and invite your child to join you in the tent.  Tell your child that today they need to use their imagination because they are now on a safari in Africa!  

Photo:  www.privesafari.eu/Home3.htm

Ask your child to name some African animals.  Show them swatches of safari animal prints one at a time and ask them to tell you which animal they look like (e.g., cheetah, zebra, giraffe,etc.)  Then let them pick one of the swatches wear like a bandana.  

Photo:  www.calicocorners.com

Reading Skills:  While you're still in the tent, read a couple of the below suggestions:

We All Went on Safari by Laurie Krebs

The Field Guide to Safari Animals by Paul Beck

Safari Animals by Paul Hess

Before leaving the tent, tell your child that they will need to take some things with them on their safari: a backpack, map, canteen (water bottle), and a special tool -- binoculars!  Have those items set out and help your child to pack their backpack.  Please note that if you don't have a pair of kid's binoculars, they can be made out of an empty paper towel roll, tape, card stock, and ribbon or string.  You can make these ahead of time or have your child help you.  

Photo:  www.easytoddlercrafts.com

Nature/Gross Motor Skills:

Before heading out on safari, explain that there are five safari animals hiding in the yard (you should hide five pictures of safari animals beforehand).  Tiptoe around the yard with your child (so as not to disturb the wildlife) looking for those animals.  You can even include the animals' locations on the map you provide and help your child to use it during their safari.  Once an animal picture is found, it should be identified and stored in their back pack.

Photo:  www.igreenearth.com

Math Skills:
Play Elephant Bingo.  Using a template such as the one below, write a different number between (1 and 12) on each elephant.  Roll two dice and call out the number.  If your child has an elephant with that number then they should color or stamp that elephant.  Continue rolling the dice and calling out the numbers until all of your child's elephants have been colored.  

Template:  http://prekinders.com/safariunit/ElephantBingo.pdf

Fine Motor Skills:

Create a macaroni lion.  You'll need an orange or brown piece of card stock (cut into a large circle), rotini/spiral pasta, glue, wiggly eyes, and a black marker.  Have your child make a mane out of the pasta. Help them glue on the wiggly eyes and then draw a mouth, nose and whiskers.

Photo:  www.busybeekidscrafts.com

Snack: 
Offer your child Croc Teeth.  Cut an apple into wedges then use a knife to cut jagged "teeth" out of each wedge.  Source:  http://familyfun.go.com