Move, Play, Learn: The "Animal Run" Game for Active Language Learners
Does your child learn best when they are on the move? You aren't alone! For young children, the "wiggles" aren't a distraction—they are a learning tool.
At One Third Stories, we are big fans of Total Physical Response (TPR). It’s a fancy way of saying that when kids use their bodies while learning a new word, that word "sticks" much faster. To help you bring this to life at home, we’ve created a brand-new, free resource: The Animal Run Game.
A Standalone Adventure (No Homework Required!)
Whether you are a longtime subscriber of our stories or you’ve just stumbled upon us today, this game is for you.
The Animal Run Game is designed to be played immediately. You don't need to have read our books or be a fluent linguist to get started. All you need is a little bit of floor space (or a yard!) and a desire to have some fun with your kids.
Why the "Animal Run"?
This isn’t just about burning off energy. By connecting a foreign word to a physical action, children bypass the "translation" phase in their brains. They don't hear “el león” and think “that means lion.” Instead, they hear “el león” and immediately roar, pounce, or run to the correct card. They are experiencing the language, not just memorizing it.
What’s Inside the Free Resource?
We’ve made this resource accessible for everyone by providing the materials in French, Spanish, German, and Italian. Inside the download, you’ll find:
- Actionable Vocabulary: A mix of classic animals (like the mighty lion!) and some fun new surprises.
- Multilingual Support: Clear guides for all four languages so you can play in the language of your choice.
Pro Tip: For fans of our book The Zookeeper’s Cat, you might recognize a few familiar faces in the deck! We’ve included some "easter eggs" from the story, but we’ve also added a whole new cast of animals to help expand your child’s growing vocabulary.
How to Get Started
- Download & Print: Grab your free PDF below.
- Spread the Cards: Place the animal cards around the room or garden.
- Call it Out: Shout the animal name in your target language and watch your "zoo" come to life!
Download the Free Animal Run Game – Available in 4 Languages
