Zoo

  1. Indoor Game
  2. Readiness Games

  • Large Group (10 and up)

  • Grades 1-2

  • None

  • Less Than 10 minutes

In this fun animal-filled game, students will practice self-control and following directions. In order for this game to be successful, be sure to remind students of the classroom boundaries and expectations (i.e., no running, no climbing, etc.) and teach the “begin,” “freeze,” and “end” signals before you start to play.

Students get to use their imaginations as they silently pretend to be their favorite animal. When the “freeze” signal is given, participants get to make the noise of their animal three times. Then, they must wait patiently for the “begin” signal to start moving again. Encourage students to use their imaginations and pick different animals throughout the game. You can make this game more challenging by selecting a letter sound or name and encouraging the entire class to be animals whose names begin with that letter.

Development Goal

To develop students listening skills and spatial awareness

Before You Start

Skills Practiced: Listening, knowledge of letters and animals

  • Make sure everyone know the boundaries for the game.
  • Give players several examples of animals.
  • Remind everyone to be aware of others around them.
  • Give players a signal to begin and to freeze.

Set Up

Create safe boundaries.

How to Play

  • Give players the begin signal. Everyone will walk in the region like the animal of her/his choice, but must be silent.
  • Give the freeze signal. All players must freeze and make the sound of her/his animal.
  • Repeat.

Variations

  • Give players the option to switch to a new animal.
  • As students begin to learn sounds or letters better, give the class a sound of a letter or letter itself, and all students must be an animal that starts with that sound or letter. Review any new animals chosen afterward so everyone can learn sounds and animals.