Here are three engaging follow-up activities for child care centres and parents to do with young children, inspired by, “The Ghost Dog” story.
1. Create a Starry Night Sky with Chalk and Water
- Materials: Dark construction paper, white chalk, a small tray and water.
- Activity: Dip the end of the chalk in water and draw stars and a Milky Way on the dark paper. The water makes the chalk bolder, allowing for soft, wispy trails that resemble stars in the night sky.
- Purpose: This activity develops fine motor skills and creativity. Educators can encourage children to imagine the stars in the Milky Way.
2. “Ghost Dog” Role-Play Adventure
- Materials: Simple props, such as a scarf for the “ghost dog,” and noise makers such as tambourines and maracas for the children to use to help “scare away” the ghost dog.
- Activity: Have one child or educator play the ghost dog, while others act as the children trying to scare it back into the sky. The noise makers scare the ghost dog back to the stars.
- Purpose: This interactive role-play encourages teamwork and problem-solving, just like in the story.
3. Galaxy Glitter Jars
- Materials: Clear plastic jars or bottles, water, glitter, and blue food colouring.
- Activity: In a small jar filled with water, add a drop of blue food colouring and some glitter. When shaken, the glitter swirls, creating a “Milky Way” effect.
- Purpose: This sensory craft reinforces the concept of the Milky Way and provides children with a tangible way to explore stars scattered across the sky.
Each activity helps children retell the story, connect with its themes, and practice creativity, bravery, and teamwork.