What to do with this activity?

If you are in the countryside, point out real farm animals to your child. They will enjoy learning the names of farm animals and the sounds that they make.

You could watch this fun “Down on the farm” video. Afterwards, say “let’s make animal sounds”. You name the animal, for example “pig”, and your child will try to make the sound “oink, oink”! Be happy with any kind of a grunt or snort that they make. Talk about what you know of each animal - for instance, "a cow eats grass and we get our milk from cows”.

Look at animal pictures in books. Help your child to make connections between the pictures and the real thing when you see them.

If your child is ready, have a look at this online game. The animals are counted one-by-one when you click on them. Sit with your child and help them to play the game. 

There are open farms all over Ireland where your child can get close to real farm animals. Find out if there is one near you here.