Build a Gruffalo Counting Activity

Our home library is filled with so many phenomenal picture books for children.  Yet, without fail, the ones my children often reach for are the works of Julia Donaldson. One of their favorites is the Gruffalo. For this week’s book based activity, we read the Gruffalo book, watched the video, and then played a “Build a Gruffalo” game that was not only fun but reinforced counting skills.

The “Build a Gruffalo” game was played using printables from The Gruffalo activity website (Links provided below). The game provides a fun way to bring the book to life while helping children practice counting skills and number recognition.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

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The Gruffalo, by Julia Donaldson, is a delightful tale of a wise little mouse that fools other animals in the forest. The mouse’s tales of a scary Gruffalo stave off a snake, and owl, and a fox. But how does the little mouse get out of danger when it runs into an actual Gruffalo?

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR THE BUILD A GRUFFALO ACTIVITY

Gruffalo Printables (links listed below)

Printer – in the Rainy Day Mum household we use an HP Envy with Instant Ink

Cardstock if you aren’t laminator or printer paper if you do laminate

Laminator (optional)

Two Dice

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BUILD A GRUFFALO ACTIVITY

1. Print out The Gruffalo finger puppets activity page (at 150-175% of normal size) and The Gruffalo features match game (at 50% of normal size).
2. Print on cardstock or laminate pieces provide more durability if desired. This will keep pieces from ripping or tearing if the activity is going to be used in the classroom or over the course of several units. You may wish to print out 2 or more of each printable sheet so that multiple children can play independently at one time or together in a competitive game.
3. Cut out The Gruffalo and circular features pieces. Label the back of each of the nine features with the numbers 2-10. (The number 1 is not usable as two dice are being used.)  Pieces can be stored in a small cotton drawstring bag to keep everything together.
4. Draw children into the activity by setting up an invitation to learn at a table by setting up the activity pieces. You may also want to set up The Gruffalo book and any other corresponding items.

Discover our Latest Gruffalo Activity

Watch the Gruffalo Sensory Bin Video Below and head over to our activity to combine with this fun Gruffalo Math Activity for Preschoolers.

HOW TO PLAY THE BUILD A GRUFFALO ACTIVITY

This activity can be played individually or with 2-4 players. To play, the child rolls the dice. After counting the total number of dots on the two dice, they pick the corresponding numbered Gruffalo piece to place on their Gruffalo. If two are playing, they should take turns. If a player rolls a number they have already gotten the piece for, their turn is over and the other child shall roll. The first player to get all the Gruffalo features on their Gruffalo wins.

MORE GRUFFALO ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Go on a Gruffalo Hunt in the Woods like we did.

Build a log pile house for wildlife in your garden

Gruffalo Finger Puppets

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