Wolf Theme
Create a howling good wolf theme for your preschooler with these fun themed activities. They are both educational and fun.
Why Teach Kids about Wolves
Myth Busting and Curiosity Building
Tending to be the villain in many stories, wolves get a bad rep. Clear up that wolves aren’t “big and bad” like stories lead on.
This may spark children’s curiosity about where animals live and what they do (if they aren’t spending all their time blowing down pigs’ houses).
Appreciation for Wolves and Animal Diversity
Wolves do many fascinating things, with the pack mentality only being the beginning.
Preschoolers can compare how wolves communicate and group with other animals they know about.
The beauty of teaching a wolf theme is that one animal is focused on making it easier for littles to remember and compare to other animals.
Understanding Ecosystems
Wolves are key players in the ecosystem and essential to our world. Doing a wolf theme allows children to learn about the predator-prey relationship.
Although it may be sad that some animals are being eaten, wolves need to eat! Without eating, they would die.
Introduce Science Concepts
Wolves are interesting critters to study. Scientists have been tracking how wolves live and move. Not only are little ones learning about ecosystems, mammals, survival skills, and diets, but they can also learn how scientists gather data about animals.
One of the books below is based on wolves tracked by scientists.
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Books to Use During a Wolf Theme
Here are a few books to get you started on your wolf theme book list. They are linked for ease of use.
National Geographic Reader: Wolves
Wordless Wolf Book (with real picture)
Journey: Based on a True Story
Three Little Wolves and the Great Big Pig
Wolf Theme Activities
Create Wolf Masks
Create wolf face masks using paper plates, coloring tools (markers, crayons, or paint), and some construction paper.
Use these masks during imaginative play.
Wolf Track Hopping Trail
Print out some wolf tracks. Place two next to each other, facing the same direction. Then, place two more wolf tracks directly ahead of them, but turn them so they face to the left. Continue to place wolf tracks in groups of two.
Little ones will use the wolf tracks as places to put their feet. As the tracks change direction (left or right), when little ones jump to the next set of tracks, they should turn their bodies so they are facing the correct way the tracks are going.
This is wonderful for body control and agility!
Wolf Theme Sensory Bin
Before filling the sensory bin, print out some small wolf tracks that look like they are traveling around the page. Put the page at the bottom of the sensory bin.
Fill the wolf-themed bin with fake snow or cotton balls. Let little ones play and discover the paw prints.
Shadow Puppets
In a darkish room, shine a light towards the wall. Let your little one use their hands to create wolf shadow puppets.
If this is too much, you can always cut out black wolf silhouettes, attach them to a craft stick, and let your little one make shadow puppets that way.
Make a Wolf Den
After little ones have learned a bit about wolves, encourage them to problem-solve how to make their own wolf den to play in.
Wolf Track Game
Use wolf tracks to make a trail of tracks through the house. Have the tracks lead to something (a wolf den, the table for snack time, etc).
Use Your Nose (and other senses)
Wolves have a fantastic sense of smell. Put your little one’s senses to the test by placing easily identifiable items (like an orange) in a paper bag. Let your little one smell and touch the item, and then guess what it is without seeing it.
Obstacle Course
Create an obstacle course for your little one pretending to be a wolf. Run after prey, make a den, howl to your pack, and practice agility.
Play Wolf Tag
The tagger is a wolf, and everyone else is a forest animal. Once the wolf tags you, you are eaten, become a wolf, and try to tag someone else.
Paper Bag Puppet
Create a paper bag wolf puppet. Put on puppet shows, use it to ‘eat’ other animals, or whatever your little one’s heart desires.
Preschool Activities about Wolves
Wolves have the potential to be scary to some littles. Thankfully, by introducing wolves to preschoolers through a wolf theme, they can ask questions and learn more about these helpful creatures in a safe and fun environment.
