Inside: Use this free color recognition owl printable activity while reading the book Hoot and as a table activity!
We love using props during circle time.
In my 20+ years of teaching in the classroom I have found that having visuals keeps young children far more engaged than if they were expected to just sit and listen to you.
For example, my preschoolers love holding their spider sticks while we sing Itsy Bitsy Spider, and we have great fun counting when our colorful leaves are on the flannel board.
One of my new favorite props is created from our colored owls printable cards.
Velcro can be added so that they will stick to the flannel board, too!
Recently we used these owl props while reading a fun book called Hoot, a story about five owls that are different colors.
They can then be added to the table for a quiet learning activity.
Scroll down towards the bottom of this page to find the free printable!
Color Recognition Owl Printable Activity
When I am putting together circle time activities, I usually select the book first, then creating activities to go with it.
As I was planning our fall theme, I happened to stumble upon a board book called Hoot and knew it would tie in nicely.
This book is simple and short, perfect for 2 year olds (and young 3 year olds).
At this time, we are teaching virtually, so I had to keep that in mind, too.
However, I will definitely add this to our in-person fall activities in future years.
Using the Owl Activity at Circle Time
What you will need:
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- Colored owls printable (scroll down towards bottom of page to find them)
- Hoot
Whether you are teaching virtually or in-person, the set up is the same.
Preparation
First, you will want to make a copy of the owl printable on heavy (card stock) paper.
Then, cut apart each card so that there are five owls of different colors.
There are a variety of ways you can use these owls:
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- Add velcro on the backs and stick on a flannel board.
- Tape to craft sticks and hold in your hand.
- Hold the cards by themselves in your hand.
- Place in a pocket chart that is located in your circle time area.
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Before reading Hoot, show the children each of the owls and ask what colors they are.
While reading the book, point to each owl card as you mention the color in the book.
When finished reading, review the colors of the owls again.
Using the Owl Printable Activity Independently
Matching Cards
Make two copies of the printable, preferable on heavy (card stock) paper.
Keep one copy whole and place it on the table.
Cut apart the cards on the second copy and place them beside the whole copy.
Invite your children to place the single owl cards on top of the matching-colored owls.
Placing Matching Colored Objects on Top
For this activity you will need one copy of the owl printable.
Find small markers of matching colors, such as pom poms or buttons.
Invite your children to take one of the markers and set it on top of the owl that is the same color.
More Owl Activities
More Circle Time Activities
Colorful Leaves for the Fall Theme
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
More Circle Time Props!
Keep your toddlers and preschoolers engaged during circle time with props to favorite songs and rhymes!
