The Animals' Sports Day
The Animals' Sports Day
One day five small animals in my garden decided to have a sports day.
They were a large, sleepy caterpillar, a busy little ladybird, a long-legged spider, a small, jumpy frog and a slow, slimy snail.
They decided to have a swimming race, a running race, a high jump and a long jump. Who do you think won each event?
Why do you think this?
The next day four of the animals wanted another sports day, but the caterpillar had gone to sleep and would not wake up!
"When he wakes up, we'll have another sports day!" said the frog. The three others agreed.
Some days later the caterpillar did wake up. He crawled out of his sleeping bag. He looked quite different!
What had happened?
Again they decided to have a swimming race, a running race, a high jump and a long jump.
Who do you think won each event this time?
Has the caterpillar's change made any difference?
Why do you think this?
Why do this problem?
This problem links the general interest about sport with a story for young children about animals. Which animal might win each race?
Possible approach
This is a problem which would be best approached in pairs or small groups of young children along with an adult. The introductory "story line" could be enhanced in a retelling.
Key questions
How does this animal/creature move?
Possible extension
Children could think of zoo or farm animals which would do well in these events.
Possible support
Suggest using the pictures and discussing how the animals move. Which of the animals can swim/run (move quickly)/jump?
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