Wee Inspirations

Monkey Ten

  1. The basic idea

    Yell “Monkey 10! 9, 8…” and countdown to zero while you move like monkeys. Bonus points for monkey voices, whatever they are.

  2. Over to you, wee one

    When you get to zero, your wee one chooses a new animal to act out “Zebra 10! 9, 8…” and everyone takes turns to lead.
    Top tip: choose Sloth or Snail for a breather.

  3. Cheeky bonuses

    • Numeracy
    • Turn-taking
    • Creative movement
    • Great for getting kids up stairs quickly: “Stair Monkeys! 10, 9, 8…”

  4. Variations

    • Older children can count in 2s, 5s, 10s
    • Pre-and non-verbal children can use their bodies to act their chosen animal while you copy their moves and count.

  5. And remember…

    If pretending to be a monkey fills you with dread, find your comfort zone and start there. But children love it when you’re silly with them.