Move like an animal game {Printable Cards}

This move like an animal game is the perfect preschool activity for at home or in a classroom setting.

Print the free printable cards and take turns moving and roaring like animals. You can also use them as animal charade cards.

There are so many ways to play and learn with this fun game for kids.

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Kids love animals. Most have a favorite, though it seems to change on a regular basis. I asked my daughter what her favorite animal was while I was making the cards…and she came back with Tiger.

Not at all what I expected, and I’ll probably get a different answer the next time I asked.

Animals are just a fun way to learn and play. We hope you enjoy playing this Move like an Animal game.

For my animal fun check out our Rainbow Animal Craft with printable templates!

Supplies

All you need to play this game are my printable game cards and at least 2 people. You could even make your own cards in a pinch and just write different animals on square pieces of paper and then read the animal to your kids.

Get the game cards

Join our list below to get your free copy of the printable game cards.

These printable cards print on regular 8.5×11 paper. The document is 4 pages, 3 pages of cards and 1 page with the instructions. If possible print them on cardstock or use a laminator to keep them from getting worn out quickly. There are 18 total cards included.

I use this laminator at home for making things more kid proof.

Printables are for personal use only. All printables on Tot School Resources website are the property of totschoolresources.com and may not be sold, used for commercial purposes, or given away for free on your own website.

You could also have kids make their own playing cards if you have some old magazines with animal pictures in them.

They could pick out the animals, cut them out, glue them to square pieces of paper or index cards and create their own playing cards!

Want Double the Cards?

Want even more cards? For just $3 you can get our expansion pack. It includes the original 18 cards plus an extra 18 BONUS cards…that’s 36 cards in all!

How to play Move like an Animal

There are a few different ways you can play this game.

1 – The most basic way to play is to have someone choose a card and then everyone moves, acts, jumps, etc like that animal.

If it’s an animal your child isn’t familiar with they may need more help figuring out what to do. But mostly, just let them do whatever they think that animal would do. There are no right or wrong answers here.

2 – The second way to play would be using the cards for animal charades. This will require that your child be familiar with all the animals in the deck. One person would look at a card, act out the animal, and have the other person try to guess what animal they are.

You can play both ways but start with the easier version first so your child can learn all the animals.

Learning Opportunities

Animal Recognition

For younger toddlers who don’t know all their animals yet this can be a fun and engaging way to learn through play! Show them a card, give them the name, then practice the sound and movement together.

Gross Motor Skills

Moving like animals is great for gross motor skills. Whether you’re jumping up and down, standing on one foot, swinging an elephant trunk, or crawling like a bear this game will get kids moving their bodies in all kind of ways.

Taking Turns

Games are great for helping kids work on taking turns. Whatever way you decide to play, you can work on taking turns while you play.

Get moving and have fun! This game can be a great indoor activity to help kids burn energy. Check out 7 other ways to burn energy indoors!

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Animal Charade Cards

Thanks for sharing!