Here, once again, with a fun way to practice math, reading, and writing with your child. With the Feed the Penguin Learning Game, you can not only practice valuable skills for the classroom, but also enjoy a yummy snack along the way.
What You’ll Need:
- A super cool Penguin Work Mat
- Dry erase marker
- Goldfish crackers
- List of sight words
- Laminator or laminating sheets (optional)
How to Play Feed the Penguin
Feed the Penguin has a couple variations for math and reading. The basic math level is simply number recognition, and then moves up to addition and subtraction. The initial reading level starts with letter recognition and writing, and the more advanced version is just reading practice.
I like to laminate the mat and the number and letter cards. Laminating the mat will allow you to write on the penguin with the dry erase marker and erase it for additional uses.
The next steps will vary based on your child’s skill level, as explained below.
Feed the Penguin Number Recognition
This version will be focused only on having your child recognize numbers and count.
- Select a number either from the cards included in the Penguin Work Mat or written by you.
- Have your child feed the penguin the same number of yummy goldfish crackers by placing them on its belly.
- See if the penguin is willing to share the crackers and give your child a snack.
Feed the Penguin Arithmetic
This version incorporates addition and subtraction to the learning game.
- Select two numbers either from the cards included in the Penguin Work Mat or written by you.
- Have your child add or subtract the two numbers.
- Feed the penguin the solution number of yummy goldfish crackers by placing them on its belly.
- Snackage.
Feed the Penguin Letter Practice
This version will be focused only on having your child write their uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Select a letter card included in the Penguin Work Mat and show it to your child.
- Have your child copy the uppercase and lowercase letter on the penguin’s belly with the dry erase marker. If you can’t laminate the penguin, just place a note card or sticky note on its belly instead.
- More snackage!!!
Feed the Penguin Reading Practice
This version is a fun way to practice reading.
- Choose a sight word that your child is working on and either write it on a blank card or use the letter cards to spell it out. I always refer to Dolch Sight Words.
- Place the sight word on the penguin mat.
- Have your child read the sight word to you. The penguin may provide some help in exchange for goldfish.
- Additional snackage.
Wrapping Up
Feed the Penguin Learning Game is a fun way to practice math and reading skills, and the penguin can be pretty decent decoration when you’re done. The Penguin Work Mat is part of my Book Study of Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Check it out for additional worksheets and recommendations.
I regularly post learning games for both reading and math. Sign up for my newsletter and the new games, plus a bunch of other teaching concepts and helpful tools, will be sent straight to your inbox when they’re posted. As a thank you, I’ll send you my free state-by-state homeschool guide!
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