Learn to Call Small Animals

1. 1

   Gather toy or stuffed animals such as a cat, dog, pig, and duck. Name each one, then listen together to recordings of the animal sounds.

2. 2

   Once the sounds are familiar, sing an original call-and-response chant while holding up each animal: “Kitty, kitty, what do you say? Meow, meow, meow!” Continue with the dog, pig, and duck.

3. 3

   After several repetitions, hold up the cat and pause: “Kitty, kitty, what do you say?” Invite your child to supply the sound.

4. 4

   If they need help, offer two choices: “Does the cat say meow or woof?”

5. 5

   Respond warmly to any attempt, then continue with another animal so your child gains confidence joining the exchange.

What to notice

• Answers your question with an animal sound Attending and Understanding
• Imitates animal sounds they remember Memory

Tips

• Make the chant livelier by copying each animal’s movements and inviting your child to move with you.
• Ask slowly and clearly, then pause. A little thinking time helps your child understand the question before answering.

Developmental benefits

• Language: Listening to a simple question and responding with an animal sound, word, or short phrase gives your child practice in conversational comprehension.
• Cognitive: Recalling which sound belongs to each animal gives your child practice retrieving a learned association.