Using this free printable, you can create a paper chain countdown with animal movements. Simply cut out your strips, staple them together, and let your kids physically express their excitement for an upcoming event in 30 fun ways.
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We have so many different ways to count time around here. With three young children who do not understand that concept of time, we are always coming up with creative ways to make the passing of time more tangible for them.
We have Ok To Wake Clocks, countdown timers, visual timers, hourglasses, phone timers, discussion about how many bedtimes until something comes, waiting for specific seasons, and counting days on our fingers.
Time is really hard for children to understand. For bigger, upcoming events, I turn to a paper chain.
A paper chain is so simple to make and so easy to help the kids understand how many days are left.
To make our paper chain more exciting, this free paper chain countdown template animal movements version not only has the kids cutting off a chain each day, but they get to physically express their excitement about what is to come by doing a specific movement like that specific animal.
Get your printable here.
With this paper chain printable, you have multiple skills being learned all together.
- Cutting skills
- Counting up to 30
- Patience
- Stapler use and safety
- Animal movements
- Body control
How To Use Your Paper Chain Countdown: Animal Movements
To set up your countdown, print the five Paper Chain Countdown pages.
Cut out each chain along the dotted lines for as many days as you need. Your printable gives you up to 30 days of chains. This is a great activity for the kids to do!
Staple the chains together, in number order, so they are inter-connected.
Hang your paper chain in a place where you can see it daily.
When you are ready to start your countdown, cut off one paper chain per day and do the action. You can choose to just do the action as it states, or do the listed number for days left in your countdown of the action.
Continue to cut off one paper chain per day and complete the action until you reach your special date!
Included With Your Download
- PDF sent directly to your email inbox
- 5 pages of printable strips
- 30 total strops of animal movements like cat walks, flamingo stands, and dolphin flips.
Supplies Needed
To print and create your paper chain you will need:
- 5 pieces of printer paper
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Printer
- Color ink
Both you and your children are going to love using this Paper Chain Countdown: Animal Movements free printable. Not only do the kids get to have a tangible thing to see the passing of time, but they get to physically express their excitement in constructive and fun ways each day.
Other Movement Activities You Will Love:
Printables from moveplaygo.com are for personal and classroom use only.