Feed the Squirrel Activity with Free Printable
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This Feed the Squirrel activity is a fun way for preschoolers to practice fine motor skills while playing with colorful pom-poms. Children feed the pom-poms through the squirrel’s mouth and watch them collect inside its clear belly!
It makes an adorable fall classroom, daycare, homeschool, or at-home activity.
Free Feed the Squirrel Printable
Print the squirrel on cardstock, color it, and attach it to cardboard to make it sturdy enough for repeated play.
[DOWNLOAD THE FREE FEED THE SQUIRREL PRINTABLE HERE]
Supplies
- Feed the Squirrel printable
- Cardstock or printer paper
- Cardboard
- Crayons or markers
- Scissors
- Craft knife, for adult use only
- Clear resealable plastic bag
- Tape
- Brown and tan pom-poms
How to Make the Feed the Squirrel Activity
- Print and color the squirrel.
- Glue the printable to a sturdy piece of cardboard.
- Have an adult carefully cut out the squirrel’s mouth and oval belly opening.
- Position a clear plastic bag behind the squirrel so it extends from the mouth to the belly.
- Leave the top of the bag open behind the mouth and tape the remaining edges securely to the back.
- Stand the squirrel upright and let the feeding begin!
Fall Fine Motor Activity
Children can pick up the pom-poms with their fingers and push them through the squirrel’s mouth. For an extra fine motor challenge, provide child-safe tongs or clothespins.
You can also invite children to:
- Count the pom-poms as they feed the squirrel
- Sort the pom-poms by color
- Create simple patterns
- Compare which color has the most or fewest
- Pretend the pom-poms are acorns the squirrel is gathering for fall
Helpful Tips
Use a larger plastic bag so it reaches from the mouth to the belly opening. Secure it well with tape to keep the pom-poms contained.
Small pom-poms can be a choking hazard. This activity should always be used with adult supervision and is not appropriate for children who still place small objects in their mouths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this activity for?
This activity is best for preschool and early elementary-aged children who can safely play with small pom-poms under adult supervision.
Can I make the printable reusable?
Yes. Print it on cardstock or glue it to cardboard. You can also laminate the printable before cutting out the openings.
What can I use instead of pom-poms?
Try crumpled pieces of brown paper, large felt balls, or other lightweight fall-themed manipulatives that are appropriate for your child’s age.
More Fall Activities for Kids
Looking for more easy ways to keep little hands busy this season? Try more of our fall activities for preschoolers like this apple stamping pumpkin patch craft, , explore our fall printables like this apple stamping mason jar printable craft, or find another playful fine motor activity like this S’mores preschool sensory bin for the classroom or home.
