Printable Safari Finger Puppets

Hello, friends!

Today I am sharing a fast and easy children's printable toy. Simply print, cut, and play!

Click here to download the .pdf file

(continue reading for some educational activities to engage in with your child!)

After printing onto heavy cardstock, simply cut around each animal as well as the two finger holes. Your fingers will become the animal's legs! My nephew got a kick out of this!

I've mentioned before that I am currently getting my master's degree in early childhood education. I was reading about color and visual stimulation in newborns, which is why I decided to go with a bold black and white design. Here's a snippet of what I was researching:

"The best way you as a parent can stimulate baby’s vision is using black and white stripes or light and dark contrasting colors...surround your baby with black and white or light and dark pictures, and watch your baby’s eyes light up" (Ask Dr Sears).

If you choose to play with these finger puppets with your 0-3 month old baby, I would recommend involving a lot of vocal play in conversations between the animals to model language: As your baby listens to you talk, they are picking up so much information that we don't even realize. I would also recommend changing the distance of the finger puppets (closer or farther away from your baby's face) to further stimulate their visual development. 

Of course, if you are going to play with an older child, COLOR is the way to go! My sweet nephew (5 years old) was begging to color these, which just adds to the fun and extends the activity in a meaningful way. You and your child could discuss realistic colors, as well as why certain animals are colored the way that they are. My nephew loved learning about how zebras camouflage with other zebras, and how the giraffe is so tall so that its powerful hooves can kick away lions.

His creative play was teaching him all about animal survival, camouflage, and the food chain. I love when play is educational and FUN!

(And the animals agree with me!)

Maybe this is the toy that just won't quit, because I was also thinking about how fun these finger puppets would be at a birthday party.

Transform these cuties into party animals, and you'll have an effortless party activity or party favor.

Have a lovely little day!
-Lauren

PS: Further interesting articles on color theory in early childhood as well as visual stimulation:

http://blog.ecr4kids.com/2016/03/beyond-primary-use-color-theory-to-boost-early-childhood-education/

https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/parenting/child-rearing-and-development/bright-starts-babys-development-through-interactive-play/playtime-articles/visual-stimulation-newborns

http://www.huggamind.com/highcontrast.php

https://sciencing.com/do-bright-colors-appeal-kids-5476948.html