National Penguin Day takes place on January 20, 2021. What’s not to love about penguins…These curious little creatures waddle around in adorable tuxedos! This day is all about celebrating penguins and more importantly it’s the perfect time to think about saving this endangered species. Due to the climate change many penguin colonies have been lost; it is predicted that half the population of emperor penguins will vanish by the end of this century. In preparation for this awareness day, I thought I would share some creative crafts, inspiring activities and recommended books to read. Hopefully through the study and investment in Penguins, these birds will get the attention they need to continue to thrive.
RECOMMENDED READS
I wanted to start off this article by sharing a handful of the best penguin books for kids. These picture books are great for snuggling up to read before bedtime or planning educational lessons. I will include books appropriate for kids of all ages. However, most are best for early elementary school aged. Books are a great way to teach about penguins during the month of January. Not just because it National Penguin Day but because it’s generally freezing outside during this time of year. I have found my children enjoy the non-fiction reads just as much as they the fiction texts, so it’s good to have a variety when it comes to focusing on this topic.
- Penguin Problems by Jory John – Read Aloud Link
- Pierre the Penguin by Jean Marzollo – Read Aloud Link
- Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester – Read Aloud Link
- Penguin in Peril by Helen Hancocks – Read Aloud Link
- The Emperor’s Egg by Jane Chapman – Read Aloud Link
- If You Were a Penguin by Florence Minor – Read Aloud Link
- Penguins by National Geographic – Read Aloud Link
- Mr. Poppers Penguins – Free audio book available on Hoopla and Libby
- Penguins by Gail Gibbons – Read Aloud Link
- Little Penguin – Read Aloud Link
- Little Penguin Gets the Hiccups – Read Aloud Link
- Penguins Love Colors – Read Aloud Link
- Baby Penguin Loves Their Mama!
- Penguin Adventure
- Our Amazing World Penguins
- I Wonder Why Penguins Cant Fly
PENGUIN CRAFTS
There are so many great ideas available on Pinterest. This year we enjoyed making a Penguin out of a toilet paper roll. However, the options are endless from popsicle sticks to hand print penguins, here are few ideas and links to tutorials.
- Hand Print Penguin by The Best Ideas for Kids
- Foot Print Penguin Craft by Moments of Mommyhood
- Penguins in the Dark Kid Craft by Crafty Morning
- Cotton Ball Penguin by Glued to My Crafts
- Paper Plate Penguin by Huppie Mama
- Paper Bag Penguin Puppet by The Resourceful Mama
- Egg Box Penguin by Netmums
- Cupcake Liner Penguins by I Heart Crafty Things
- Popsicle Stick Bow Tie Penguin by Crafty Morning
- Cardboard Tube Penguins by Crafts by Amanda
- Paper Cup Penguins by The Seasoned Mom
PENGUIN ACTIVITIES
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- 1 Cup (Red Solo Cups work perfect)
- Tissue Paper
- 1 Rubber Band
- 1 Toothpick Per Player
- 10-12 Marbles
- A set of dice
SETUP:
The first step is to make your “ice.” Lay one piece of tissue across the top of the cup. Create a flat surface by using a rubber band to secure the tissue to the cup. Add a handful of marbles to the “ice” surface.
HOW TO PLAY:
The objective is to not break the ice! Start with the youngest player. They roll two dice. The first die determines how many times to poke the ice with the tooth pick. For an example, if you roll a three, the player must poke the ice three times. The second die determines how many marbles to add or take away. If you roll even number than add that many marbles to the to top, if you roll a odd number remove that many marbles from the top. Play continues in a counter-clockwise rotation. If any marbles fall into the base of the cup, the game ends because the player broke the ice.
***The Playful Parent is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates learning through play. I hope that these activities inspire lots of fun. All information and images are intellectual property of The Playful Parent.***