From Head to Toe Activities for Kids- Printable Animal Movement Cards

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Want some fun From Head to Toe activities for kids? If you love movement-based learning, From Head to Toe by Eric Carle is one of the BEST books to bring learning to life.

This classic children’s book is full of playful animals and simple actions that naturally invite kids to move, imitate, and engage their whole bodies while reading.

And if you’ve ever read it with kids, you know—it’s impossible to sit still!

That’s exactly why I created these From Head to Toe printable activity cards—to turn reading time into an interactive, hands-on experience.

 (See more of my book activities for kids!)

This book works so well for young learners because it combines:

• Animal recognition
• Movement and gross motor skills
• Repetition and rhythm
• Confidence-building through imitation

Each page invites kids to ask:
“Can you do it?”

And of course… they all want to try!

Free Printable: From Head to Toe Activity Cards

These printable cards include each animal from the story paired with its movement, making it easy to extend learning beyond the book.

You can use them for:

• Movement breaks (perfect for homeschool or classroom)
• Circle time activities
• Indoor energy burners
• Early literacy connections

Ways to Use the Activity Cards

Here are some simple, engaging ideas to get the most out of your printable:

1. Animal Charades

Kids pick a card and act it out while others guess:

• Which animal?
• What movement?

2. Matching Game

Print two sets and:

• Match animal to animal
• Or animal to movement

3. Story Sequencing

Have kids:

• Put the cards in order of the book
• Retell the story using movement

4. Movement Game (Whole Body Learning)

Lay cards on the floor and:

• Jump to a card
• Perform the movement
• Move to the next

Perfect for kinesthetic learners!

5. Animal Sounds & Vocabulary

Great for younger kids:

• Practice animal names
• Add sounds
• Talk about how animals move differently

Skills This Activity Builds

This simple activity actually supports a wide range of learning:

• Gross motor skills
• Listening and following directions
• Memory and sequencing
• Language development
• Confidence and participation

Get Your Free Printable

Want a copy of the From Head to Toe Activity Cards?

They are available as a FREE to Download Now!

Watch the Story in Action

Here’s a fun version of the story set to music—great for reinforcing movement and rhythm: