It’s a Zoo Out There! Goodnight Gorilla Core Vocabulary Activities
Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann is a (mostly) wordless book about a zookeeper trying to lock up for the night. Little does he know, a sneaky gorilla took his keys. He escaped and started letting all the other animals out too! Model “in” and “out” on your child’s AAC system as you read the book. Here is a list of additional activities you can use to target these core words…
Animal Hide and Seek
Create a “zoo” using a box or basket along with a key. Hide toy animals around the room. Have the child bring each one back to the zoo as you model “in”. Make sure to lock the zoo so the animals don’t escape again!
Zoo Puzzle
Take the puzzle pieces out one at a time. Model “out” using the child’s AAC system then model “in” as they put each piece back in the board.
Sensory Bin
Bury toy zoo animals in a sensory bin. You can use uncooked rice or dry pasta. Have the child dig through the bin and model “out” each time they uncover one of the animals.
Snack
Put some animal crackers in a bowl or a container. Model core vocabulary as the child takes each one out and puts it in their mouth.
Music
The “Hokey Pokey” song features the core words “in” and “out”. Here are the lyrics to the first verse:
Put your right arm in, take your right arm out
Put your right arm in, and you shake it all about
You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around, that’s what it’s all about!
Toys
Crocodile Dentist is one of my favorite toys. Open the crocodile’s mouth and push his teeth down one at a time. Be sure to take your finger out before he bites!
Daily Routines and Activities
Core vocabulary doesn’t have to be reserved just for your therapy activities. Remember to model “in” and “out” during your everyday interactions (e.g., “Come IN!”, “Let’s go OUT into the hallway”).
P.S. Discover more core vocabulary resources on my Teachers Pay Teachers store.
