Charlies Yellow Zoo

Animals can help children learn everything from language and numeracy to empathy/caring skills and even understanding the world.

Child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer says:
"Animals fascinate children for a range of reasons - the big heads and eyes of many animals are shown to have natural appeal and there is something captivating about how interactive and unpredictable they are."

There is no doubt that most children love animals. From the earliest age learning animal names and noises are a key first language skill and many children's toys and favorite characters are based on animals throughout childhood. There is a clear natural affinity between them.

Educators are always looking for ways to turn natural interest into a learning opportunity and with animals, these opportunities really are endless. Animals can help children learn everything from language and numeracy (get them counting a leopard's spots) to empathy/caring skills and even understanding the world.