Animals in the Wild [ 



Mammals in Maps, Games, Stamps, and Art 



Your visit to a zoo is an end in itself because of the pure pleasure 

 it yields in direct, enjoyable experience. Yet such visits can take 

 on lasting meaning in a child's life if you can unobtrusively asso- 

 ciate each animal with its natural home. In this way the child's 

 mind forms a clear idea of the wildlife of different countries and 

 continents. Some zoos group the animals in exhibits such as the 

 Plains of Africa where mammals that are natural neighbors are 

 seen together; but in many zoos it is necessary to point out these 

 associations yourself. 



Of course, the how and the when of imparting such information 

 will depend on the child's age and interest and receptivity. The 

 best method is doubtless one that involves some active participa- 

 tion by the child. Keeping a scrapbook of animal pictures is fun 

 at almost any age, and it provides a good starting point for talking 

 and learning about animals. 



MAMMAL MAPS 



Most children are fascinated by a map that pictures a con- 

 tinent in outline with its animals or plants shown in the approxi- 

 mate area where they are most commonly found. Elaborate maps 

 of this kind are available; but children will enjoy making simple 

 maps of their own perhaps after an expedition to the zoo which 

 will mean more to them because they have created the maps them- 

 selves. 



ANIMAL LOTTO 



One of the pleasantest ways for very young children to 

 become familiar with animals is to play games involving them, 

 such as Animal Lotto. In this game more than fifty mammals, 

 with identifying names, are pictured on master cards; the players 

 try to match them by drawing individual pictures of the animals 

 from the "stock pile." 



PLACE CARDS FOR PARTIES 



For a four-year-old's birthday we used an idea for place 

 cards which enabled the youngsters to seat themselves without 

 assistance. From colored cardboard we cut silhouettes of elephants, 



