A variation on Simon Says that helps teach you learn more about animals

PURPOSE

Learn about the four most important elements all living things need to survive: Food, water, shelter and space! Relate these four elements to humans and have students empathize with animals/plants that also require these four elements.

GRADE LEVELS

1-6

SUBJECTS

Science

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Personal growth and well-being

Managing information

MATERIALS NEEDED

None

TIME

15 minutes

Instructions

Similar to Simon Says!… but with CPAWS!
First ask your students what are four things animals need to survive
Ask them if they also need these four things to survive – why do we need food? Water? Shelter? And Space?
4 actions for the game
- Food: Mime a big CHOMP out of a sandwich
- Water: Mime drinking a big glass of water
- Shelter: Form a roof with your arms by placing arms in a triangular shape over your head
- Space: Wave your arms around you to signify space
Take turns taking the lead!
The leader must say “CPAWS Says” followed by one of the above actions and everyone must follow
If the leader says one of the above actions WITHOUT saying “CPAWS Says” and a student carries out the action… the student is out of the game or has to do 10 jumping jacks to get back into the game
Play a few rounds and switch up the leader

Discussion

What’s your favourite animal? How do you think your favourite animal would feel if it didn’t have any of those four things it needs to survive?
What can we do to help protect these 4 things for animals?

More Bring Nature Home for Families

Bring Nature Home is our online database of tried-and-tested CPAWS Southern Alberta activities! Here are some ways that you can bring nature home (or to the classroom) today!