Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Explore a “Pourquoi” story, learn what animals need to stay healthy, and play a movement game to act out those needs.

Items Needed:

• Three animal cards prepared before the meeting
• A short Pourquoi Tale for each animal
• Open space for movement
• (Optional) A wall or marked “safe spot” for the movement game

Before the Meeting Starts:

1. Pick the Pourquoi Tales. (3 min)
   • Look through the collection of Pourquoi Tales to pick the three that fit in the meeting’s time frame and are about animals or humans needing something.
   • These will help them compare animal needs to their own needs.
2. Create the cards. (5 min)
   • Create the three animal cards based on what stories you want to use.
     • Possible animal cards: Kangaroo, Elephant, Camel
3. Read the chosen story. (10–12 min)
   • Read the Pourquoi tale for the winning animal.
   • Emphasize the main need shown in the story, such as rest, water, safety, practice, or shelter.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 25–30 min):

1. Introduce Pourquoi tales. (3 min)
   • Explain that “Pourquoi” means “Why” in French. These stories often explain why animals have special features. Many of these stories help people think about what animals need to survive, such as food, water, rest, safety, or shelter.
   • Connect the idea that animals have needs that shape how they live.
2. Vote for the story. (5 min)
   • Hold up the three animal cards.
   • Have youth vote to choose which story to hear.
3. Read the chosen story. (10–12 min)
   • Read the Pourquoi Tale for the winning animal.
   • Emphasize the main need shown in the story, such as rest, water, safety, practice, or shelter.
4. Connect the story to animal and human needs. (3 min)
   • Ask what the animal needed to stay healthy.
   • Ask what a pet version of that animal would need.
   • Have youth show a thumbs‑up if humans also need things the animal needed. They should give thumbs-up for water, food, rest, or safety.
5. Play the “Needs” Dash. (7–15 min)
   • Clear a small space for movement. Designate a safe spot.
   • Call out a need and have youth act it out.
     • “Thirsty” = pretend to drink.
     • “Tired” = pretend to sleep.
     • “Hungry” = pretend to eat.
   • Call “Safe in Our Shelter” and have youth run to the safe spot.
   • Repeat several rounds with increasing speed.

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