Feed the Animals! is a free, do-it-yourself posting game for language learning. You turn a tissue box into a hungry frog or fish, and the child "feeds" it picture cards. It takes a few minutes to make, it can be reused again and again, and it works with any picture cards.
Who is it for?
Children aged approximately 2 to 6, and older children who need additional language support. It is designed for parents, speech therapists, special educators and preschool teachers.
What does it practise?
- Vocabulary, naming and listening
- Following instructions and choosing between pictures
- Two-word combinations, clues, descriptions and turn-taking
What you need
- A tissue box or another sturdy cardboard box
- The printable frog or fish, scissors, and glue or tape
- Picture cards, such as Everyday Objects Level 1 or Level 2
How to play
An adult prints and cuts out the animal, attaches it to the box and lines up the mouth openings. Then place a few picture cards face up, say a word or give an instruction, and let the child post the chosen card into the animal's mouth. The pack includes five ways to play, from finding a single object word to following two-part listening instructions such as "Feed the fish the spoon."
Download the free printable
Download Feed the Animals (PDF, 6 pages)
Includes step-by-step instructions for making the posting box, five ways to play, coloured frog and fish templates, and colour-your-own frog and fish templates. Print on A4 or Letter paper at 100% (Actual Size), and use the 5 cm line on each template page to check the print size.
Use it with Brainy Bug Resources flashcards
The game works with any suitable picture cards. For a ready-made set, try Everyday Objects Level 1: 60 First Words Flashcards, Everyday Objects Level 2: 66 Vocabulary Flashcards, or the First Words Bundle.
Free for personal, therapy and classroom use. Please do not resell or redistribute.
