Giraffe and Bird are unlikely companions, but their antics in Rebecca Bender’s Giraffe and Bird and Don’t Laugh at Giraffe have charmed children, teachers and parents across the country.
For those who just can’t get enough, we’re building a virtual Giraffe and Bird party, complete with games, food, crafts, and favours—each one of them healthy, wholesome, and kid-tested. Over the course of the summer we’ll be bringing you step-by-step instructions so that you can have your own party! And don’t forget to share any fun ideas of your own in the comments. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Today we begin with…GAMES:
The Materials:
One glass of water per child
One drinking straw per child
The Setup:
The straw goes in the glass of water.
The glass of water goes on the ground.
The Goal:
Be the first to drink a whole glass of water.
The Catch:
No bending your arms or legs!
The Materials
Thin slices (“leaves”) of green apple
A paring knife
Kitchen string
The Setup:
Make a hole in each apple slice with the paring knife and feed a length of string through.
Appoint half of the children as “trees” for the first round and half as “giraffes”. They can switch afterward.
Give each “tree” a leaf to dangle.
The Goal
Just like Giraffe when he’s browsing for leaves, eat your apple slice without using your hands!
Hint
If you’re preparing your apple slices ahead of time, let them sit in lemon juice to keep them from browning.
Bird HATES it when Giraffe steps on an earthworm. It means the worm will be stretched all out of shape by the time Bird pulls it free. How long will the worm stretch? Find out!
The Materials
One empty drinking glass (Giraffe’s “hoof”) per pair of children
One gummy worm per child
Rulers
The Setup
Partner A presses down with the drinking glass on one end of the gummy worm
Partner B stretches the gummy worm as far as it will go
The Goal
To have the most stretched-out gummy worm in the group! Check your results with a ruler.
The Materials
A pole that can be held horizontally at various heights
The Goal
This is just like regular limbo, except instead of bending backward, you’re bending forward! Don’t forget to keep those front hooves hands off the ground!
Stay Tuned for food, craft, and favour ideas for your Giraffe and Bird party!