We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some
resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of
social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of
activities for you and your families every day at 1:00 pm. Watch for
weekend Boredom Busters on Saturday and/or Sunday. See which
ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on
any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom
of this blog.
Today's theme is All About Animals!
There is no topic that really excites our children of any age more than talking about animals! It's a great theme to encourage lots of activities like reading, researching, drawing, colouring, crafting, and even dancing! And most importantly, children will learn to love, care for, and respect animals. So here are some ideas for you in the afternoon or on weekends: All about animals:
Behind the Scenes at the Zoo: https://www.calgaryzoo.com/blog/tag/behind-the-scenes-programs/
The Calgary Zoo has published a series of behind-the-scene videos of many of its animals, as well as interesting information about animals, how the zoo works, green spaces, etc., and it is just as good as if you were there, listening to the zookeepers' talks. Check it out, find your favourite animal, and get your daily dose of animals!
One of my favourite animals are the zebras!
These cute and fluffy animals are adorable to watch. Did you know little cubs love to wrestle! Watch the video from the Vancouver Aquarium and learn about them, or you can check them out in this Live Stream!
Elephant party? Duck Bathroom Pass? Check out these fun videos and more on Kids National Geographic! They have tons of great activities, videos, quick facts, photos, games, and more! Check out their magazines on RBDigital Magazines - just sign in with your library card! Is your card expired, or do you need to get one? Give us a call at 403-887-2130, we can help you get connected!
Get Crafty with Cartoon Animals: using models of your favourite animal(s) - maybe a cat, dog, chicken, or crocodile - draw their body, legs, lower jaw, eyes, etc. Colour it with markers, then cut out the legs, tails, and jaw and attach it with the fasteners. Make your animal dance, run, move, or flap their wings or tails.
Materials:
- bristol board/cardstock
- coloured markers
- scissors
- round head fasteners
When you're done those, try out a different canvas! Make a paper mache balloon, and once it's dried but before you pop it, paint your favourite animal on it!
Get Moving with Animal Shapes: this is an excellent game to increase physical activity levels and creative movement!
Arrange the kids in a circle or line, start asking one of the kids to do any animal movement that they like, then have the rest imitate the movement. Each kid will have a turn to create an animal movement. You can also add music or animal sounds!
(Adaptation from: Virgilio, S.J. (2006). Shaped Around. In Active start for healthy kids: Activities, exercises, and nutritional tips (p. 121). Champaign (IL): Human Kinetics.
Hopefully these activities help break up the day, and get your family engaged in learning all about animals!
If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.
Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.
You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help.
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If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.
Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.
You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help.
