April 18th is National Animal Crackers Day! Barnum’s Animals is a throwback to the circus days of Barnum and Baileys. Over the years there have been many different animals included in the little circus wagon box; to celebrate its 100th year, in fact, in 2002, the koala was included after receiving the most votes. Let your kiddo celebrate National Animal Crackers Day and enjoy jungle animals with a story, activities and snack!
Animals of Animal Crackers…
Currently, a box of animal crackers could contain the following animals:
bear & bison ( the letter B )
camel & cougar ( the letter C…hard “C” sound )
elephant (short “E”vowel sound )
giraffe & gorilla ( the letter G… a soft “G” and hard “G” )
hippopotamus & hyena ( the letter H )
kangaroo (3 syllables )
lion (2 syllables)
monkey (2 syllables)
rhinoceros (4 syllables)
seal & sheep (1 syllable each)
tiger (2 syllables)
zebra (2 syllables)
NOTE: You’ll notice I’ve commented after each line; that’s explained further down so keep reading!
Monkeys can be mischievous and fun! Those are just the kind of characteristics that keep a kidlet’s attention. Do you have little monkeys full of energy? Let them jump around a bit…yes, even if it’s on a bed! Here’s why! If they can’t jump on the bed, you can still have them jump on the floor while you all recite: 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed:
Fingerplay…
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
Momma called the doctor and the doctor said
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
Four little monkeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
Momma called the doctor and the doctor said
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
Three little monkeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
Momma called the doctor and the doctor said
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
Two little monkeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
Momma called the doctor and the doctor said
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
One little monkey jumping on the bed
He fell off and bumped his head
Momma called the doctor and the doctor said
No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
No little monkeys jumping on the bed
None fell off and bumped his head
Momma called the doctor and the doctor said
Put those monkeys back in bed! OR No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
Once that energy’s been released invite them over and….
READ
So Say the Little Monkeys by Nancy Van Laan
You’ve heard the expression “Monkey see, monkey do.” The following activity lets you and your kiddo(s) act out and/or make the sounds of animals to get the other to guess the name.
WHAT ANIMAL IS IT?
Materials Needed:
(2) Box of animal crackers
Bowl
Napkins
Glass of milk or other drink
Instructions:
● Empty (1) box of animal crackers into bowl
● Pass out a napkin to each person
● Each individual, without looking, reaches into bowl and selects a cracker*
● Taking turns, each person either can make the noise the animal makes or act out movements that animal does
● Others guess what animal it is!
● The 1st to guess correctly gets the animal; they place it on their napkin
● Continue taking turns for several rounds
● When finished, use the remainder of the box and 2nd box to allocate equal amounts of crackers
● Enjoy a snack of animal crackers and milk!
*If your kiddo doesn’t know the name of the animal they’ve drawn, give them the opportunity to select another and/or tell them the name of the animal
EXTEND the FUN by highlighting the comments I made above along the various animal names. For example:
1. Clap the syllables, use rhythm sticks to tap out the syllables while saying the animal name OR jump the syllables!
2. Think of other creatures that start with the same letter sound.
Please feel free to share how your kiddo celebrated National Animal Crackers Day! Look for more free learning activities here.
Yours in PLAY!
Teacher Karen