Books, drawing, math, reading, cooking, and other skills have all been part of the moose on the loose series. Another simple activity that you can do in minutes at home is basic science.
Given the likelihood that your child has not yet seen a live moose, use an animal that is familiar, such as a cat or dog. Ask your child if this creature is a plant or an animal. Then, ask your child what is the difference between a plant and an animal.
While the answers may seen evident to us, this is part of the learning and discovery of young children. A 3 year old child may only be able to give 1 or 2 differences. A 4 or 5 year old may be ready for something far more advanced, such as do all plants need dirt? Engage the imagination by thinking how the world would be if trees had legs instead of roots. Why do animals need to be able to move around instead of growing in place like plants?
Whether or not your child knows the correct answers is not as important as the wondering, the questioning, the being aware. Watching an ant cross the sidewalk is science. Looking way up to the see the top of a big tree is science. Many of the answers for dealing with this terrible oil spill will come from science. Our kids need to begin to develop their science skills now, too, to help prepare them for their future challenges. Will you be seeing any moose on your summer vacation? What other science can we learn from moose?
No, that’s not a typo. It’s a play with words, because this blog is about mooving. Kids love to explore movement and need to find out all the different ways that they can coordinate their bodies. How would a moose move? Put thumbs on each side of the head, spread the fingers to be antlers and lumber around. How about a giraffe? Stretch way way up. An elephant? A bear, snake, fish, dog, cat, chicken, etc.