Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Sort animal behavior cards into safe behaviors and warning behaviors, then sort warning cards by what actions we should take.

Items Needed:

• Animal Safety Cards
• Two sorting areas labeled “Safe/Calm” and “Warning/Upset”
• A second set of sorting areas labeled “Give Space,” “Move Slowly/Stay Quiet,” and “Tell an Adult”
• (Optional) Floor markers or trays to keep cards in place

Before the Meeting Starts:

1. Set up the sorting areas. (2–3 min)
   • Place the “Safe/Calm” and “Warning/Upset” labels on the floor or table.
   • Keep the second set of labels nearby for later.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 15–20 min):

1. Explain the sorting game. (2–3 min)
   • Animals show their feelings with their bodies. Some behaviors mean an animal is calm or friendly, and some mean an animal is scared or upset.
   • Spread out all the cards. Explain to the youth that we will place each card under “Safe/Calm” or “Warning/Upset.”
2. Take turns. (5–7 min)
   • Choose one youth to draw a card and announce which animal it is. The leader can announce what mood the animal is as the youth shows off their card to the group. The youth must then place the card in the category they believe it belongs in.
   • Check that each card matches the correct category and then pick a new youth for the next card.
3. Set up the second sort. (1–2 min)
   • When all cards are sorted, remove the “Safe/Calm” cards.
   • Place the labels “Give Space,” “Move Slowly/Stay Quiet,” and “Tell an Adult” on the floor or table.
4. Sort the warning cards by safety action. (5–7 min)
   • Have leader read the Safety Advice on each warning card.
   • Choose one youth to be the helper to add the warning card to the correct category.
5. Review the categories. (2–3 min)
   • Look at the sorted cards together. Ask which actions keep everyone safe when animals show warning behaviors.

Variations

• Games – Animal Safety Charades
• Games – Animal Safety Red Light, Green Light

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