LA T2.06Animal Replicas and Pictures
The child learns the names of animals that cannot be in the room from realistic replicas, then matches each replica to its picture.
Safety
- Every replica must not fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.); check thin legs, horns, and tails that could break off.
- Remove any replica that is cracked, chipped, or has peeling paint.
- After touching real animals, the child washes their hands with the adult.
Presentation
- 1
Where possible, see the real animal with the child first (on a farm visit, a walk, or with a classroom animal) and name it.
- 2
Bring the basket to the mat. Take out one replica, hand it to the child, and name it with one feature: "This is a cow. The cow has a long tail."
- 3
Name each replica the same way (Period 1).
- 4
Period 2: "Show me the horse." "Put the pig next to the sheep." Say the name again as the child moves it.
- 5
Lay the cards in a row. Place one replica beside its picture.
- 6
Hand the child the next replica. This is the point of interest: the child finds the picture of the same animal.
- 7
Ask "What is this?" (Period 3) only if the child is already talking freely; otherwise stay in Period 2.
- 8
Put the replicas and cards back in the basket together.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Replicas matched to similar pictures (a different cow, standing another way)
- Other groups: animals of the local area, zoo animals, vehicles
- Adult and young pairs with their names: cow and calf, sheep and lamb
- What each animal does: "The horse runs. The cow eats grass."
Control of error
The adult during naming. For matching, the picture shows the animal with the same shape and color, and a replica beside another animal's picture looks different.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Gives each named replica when asked
- Matches each replica to its picture
- Names two or more animals when talking or looking at books
- Recognizes the real animal from the replica, on a walk or in a book
Guide note
Replicas must be realistic in shape, color, and proportion. Cartoon animals, animals in clothes, and animals in made-up colors make it harder for the child to connect the replica to the real animal. Many realistic animal figures sold for older children fit the small parts cylinder; choose large figures, and keep smaller ones for the 3–6 room.