This hands-on learning game is a great way for kids to learn about the different types of coverings animals have. The extra set-up of close-up cards challenge children to identify the animal in addition to its' covering. Plus, your child can play the game with another child, racing against a clock to see who finishes sorting their cards first.

Materials:

-          4 close-up pictures of fur, feathers, scales, and a shell.

-          Pictures of : turtle, lobster, snail, starfish, crab, crayfish

Bear, tiger, rabbit, deer, mouse, monkey

Chicken, ostrich, duck, sparrow, peacock, parakeet

Snake, komodo dragon, green lizard, angelfish, butterfly, gecko lizard

Close-ups of each of the above animals that show only one small part

How to Play:

1. Place the 4 category pictures (fur, feathers, scales, and shell) in a row horizontally.
2. Mix up the cards, putting them all in a pile, face-down.
3. Have your child draw a card.
4. The child then places the card underneath the correct category.

The close-up cards should be matched in the same way.

Tip:

You can have your child play this game together with another child. Simply give each child two category cards, and see who can finish sorting their cards first. Children on two different levels can play also; one child places the close-ups while the other places the regular pictures.

rThis game is great not only because of the learning value, but also because your child learns how to categorize. Learning how to categorize will help your child in numerous areas: language, math, and critical thinking are a few.