Animal Parade

1. 1

   Sit facing your baby with a set of animal figures hidden behind you. Place two figures in front of them.

2. 2

   Watch which animal draws their attention and give space for a reach, sound, look, or point.

3. 3

   When your baby chooses, put the intention into words: “Oh, you want the tiger.” Hand over the figure and confirm, “This is a tiger.”

4. 4

   Make the animal’s sound or movement and pause to see whether your baby responds or imitates.

5. 5

   When interest fades, offer two different animals and repeat.

6. 6

   After every animal has appeared once, pair earlier choices in new combinations so your baby has more opportunities to explore and choose.

What to notice

• Points to an animal figure or makes a sound to show interest Communicating and Speaking
• Reaches for an animal that interests them Initiative and Curiosity

Tips

• Add movements while making animal sounds—for example, gently tickle your baby while pretending to be a monkey.
• On later rounds, mix one new animal in with familiar ones and notice how your baby responds.

Developmental benefits

• Language: Choosing an animal and communicating that choice with a sound or gesture gives your baby a meaningful way to express interest and needs.
• Cognitive: Choosing an animal that interests them and communicating that choice with a sound or gesture gives your baby experience initiating an interaction and expressing a preference.