Fun Friday activities are quick-and-simple ways to explore nature in your own backyard.
I know what you’re thinking. “She means ‘howl’ at the moon, right?” Wrong. This silly activity lets your little ones greet the moon using whatever animal voice they choose.
This idea started out innocently enough – head outdoors and spend some time with the kids moon gazing. What I hadn’t planned on was a spectacular full moon. I was so overwhelmed by its beauty that I let out a huge howl. My 18-month-old followed suit with his best impression.
Then I turned to the 5 year old and asked him to greet the moon with any animal voice he wanted.
He chose to roar like a lion.
We spent several minutes taking turns saying “hi” to the moon using an array of different animal voices – pigs, horses, cows, crows, giraffes (who knew?), dogs, cats, pandas and so on.
Before we were finished my oldest started looking around for other items that might want to get in on the fun, like the grass near our front door. I asked, “How would the grass greet the moon?”He swished and swayed a little, I imagine the way he thinks grass communicates.
What a treat to see imagination at work. All under the light of a full moon.
Why it’s so fun: Making animal sounds at the top of your voice? What’s not to like?
Variations on a theme: We were able to enjoy a full moon, but this activity works at any time of the month – as long as the little ones can see the moon. If animal sounds aren’t your thing, sing a song – or better yet, make one up! As always, the sillier, the better!
Happy roaring!
@Patti: I love that your boys still talk to the moon! And I love naming the full moons the way Native Americans did. Thanks for the great ideas. 🙂
My boys are older now, but we used to say "hi" to the full moons…though not as creatively as you do, ha! Actually, though we have entered the teen years, I still hear them say "Hi Christmas Moon!" or whatever moon it is from time to time (heart smile).<br /><br />After learning about Native Americans having names for the full moons, we decided to name each full moon, also.
Great post Deb, moon watching and star gazing are a favorite of ours. We were lucky enough to be gifted a telescope for Christmas. Sam was amazed he could see the moon's craters through the lens. Sparked off loads of creative drawing over the holidays.
Great idea. And with two full moons this month (a blue moon!) there is a lot of roaring/howling/giraffeing opportunities. I love when kids create their own traditions!
We love going out to look at the moon. We've never roared at it though – it sounds like fun. We often go looking for frogs around our yard when there is a full moon.
Alison, I enthusiastically encourage you to go for it! 🙂
Great idea! The moon has been so wonderful this week. Are adults allowed to do this without little kids (my kids are big kids now)?