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  • Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)

    Step 1

    Gather pictures or soft toys of different animals to help introduce the child to animal movements. Using simple language, explain how each animal moves based on its unique physical characteristics. For example, a bunny hops, a snake slithers and a bird flaps its wings.

    Step 2

    Encourage the child to mimic the movement of each animal. This will help them understand the different ways animals move and prepare them for the obstacle course.

  • Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)

    Step 1

    Select a safe area in your home or yard to set up the obstacle course. Use household objects like pillows for tunnels, chairs for climbing over and boxes for crawling through.

    Involve the child in building the course. Ask questions like, ‘Where should we put this pillow to make a tunnel?’ and ‘How can we make a jump for a kangaroo?’

    Step 2

    Walk through the course with the child, explaining each part. For example, ‘First, we hop over the pillows like a bunny. Then, we crawl under the chair like a snake.’

    Step 3

    Start the game by calling out an animal and guiding the child to move through the obstacle course as that animal. For example, say, ‘Let’s be a bear! Bears crawl on all fours’. Then, encourage the child to crawl through the course.

    Step 4

    Repeat with different animals and movements, being sure to describe the motion and relate it to the obstacles.

    Step 5

    After completing the obstacle course, sit down with the child and talk about the experience. Ask questions like, ‘Which animal was the hardest to move like?’ and ‘How did you feel when you were crawling under the chair?’

Showcase

– Sharing the outcomes (15+ mins)
Select any option from the table or try our recommendation.

  • Make

    Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved sharing their insights and reflections. This may include filming each step of the flower-pressing process or the child explaining the parts of the flower that they have labelled on their flower-press diagram.

    Compile photos, drawings and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what has been learned and enjoyed.

    Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.

    Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.

  • Play

    Set up simple hands-on experiments or demonstrations that promote repeated practice, discussion and ongoing investigation.

    Encourage imaginative play using clothes, toys or props related to the concept and let them role-play scenarios that reinforce their understanding.

    Create a sensory box filled with materials related to the topic and let them explore, touch, feel and manipulate the items freely.

    Integrate music and movement to further explore animal movements with the child. Sing popular songs that encourage mimicking animal actions, such as ‘Old MacDonald had a farm’, ‘The wheels on the bus’ (e.g. ‘The bunnies on the bus go hop, hop, hop’), ‘Five little monkeys jumping on the bed’ and ‘If you’re happy and you know it’ (e.g. ‘If you’re a lion and you know it, roar out loud’). Encourage the child to dance and move like the animals mentioned in the songs.

  • Write

    If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.

    Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.

    Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.

    If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.

  • Plan

    Brainstorm ideas for a follow-up activity or experiment inspired by what has been learned during the initial activity.

    Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.

    If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.

    If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.

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