Dear Zoo + 6 Activities for Targeting “Open” and “Not”
I bet you’ve never had a pet like this…
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell is a beloved lift-the-flap book about various animals sent by the zoo as potential pets. Some are too big, some are too loud, some are too scary. Each one is sent back until just the right one comes along.
This book offers multiple opportunities to model the core words “open” and “not”.
Model core vocabulary on the child’s AAC system as you read. Open each flap and decide if the animal would make a good pet (or not). Here are some more activities you can pair with Dear Zoo…
Target “Open” and “Not” during Pretend Play
Post Office
Find a toy mailbox or make your own. Then gather a variety of toy animals (or pictures of animals). Open the mailbox and send any animals that would not make a good pet back to the zoo.
Critter Clinic
Critter Clinic is the perfect toy for aspiring veterinarians. Open the doors and use the toy medical equipment to nurse the animals back to health. Put them back in once they are not sick anymore.
Zoo Craft
Download this free zoo craft and cut out the animals. Decide where each animal should go (e.g., lions do not live in arctic regions).
Zoo Puzzle
Put the puzzle pieces in a bag. Open the bag and take out one animal at a time. As you search for the correct spot on the puzzle board, talk about where the pieces go (e.g., “not here!”).
Use Movement to Target Core Vocabulary
Hide toy animals around the room. As you search for them, talk about what you see… and don’t see (e.g., “it’s not under the table!”).
Snack
Bring the zoo to the child. Have some animal crackers. Model “open” as you take each one out of the bag.
Routines with “Open” and “Not”
Remember to model “open” and “not” as you go about your routines and everyday activities (e.g., when you open the door).
Want more? Click here to purchase my core vocabulary bundle on teacherspayteachers.com.
