20 Fun-filled Where the Wild Things Are Activities for Kindergarten (With Free Printables)

Remember the timeless enchantment of Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are? Yes, our favorite childhood classic that took us on magical journeys with Max and his wild friends. It’s time to let our little ones join the fun! This article is your treasure trove of super engaging and wildly exciting activities, all inspired by Where the Wild Things Are. Perfect for the curious minds of our kindergartners, these activities promise a learning experience wrapped in layers of fun. Ready to unleash the wild things in your classroom or at home? Let’s roar!

Wild Things Mask Making

Let the kids showcase their creativity by making their own Wild Things masks using craft paper, paint, and embellishments.

1. Materials Needed: You will need craft paper, safe non-toxic paint, paintbrushes, glue, scissors, and different embellishments like feathers, glitter, and stickers.
2. Template: Start by drawing a mask shape on the craft paper. You can guide the children to draw large circles for the eyes, a triangle for the nose, and a big grinning mouth, capturing the wild and whimsical expressions of the book’s characters.
3. Cut Out: Carefully cut out the mask using scissors. Make sure an adult supervises this step to prevent accidents.
4. Decorate: Now, it’s time to unleash creativity! Let the children paint their masks in vibrant colors. Once the paint dries, they can add the embellishments. Glue feathers around the eyes or sprinkle some glitter for a magical touch.
5. String or Stick: Finally, make two small holes on the sides of the mask, thread a piece of string through them and tie a knot. Alternatively, you could attach a craft stick to the bottom of the mask for children to hold.

And voila! The Wild Things mask is ready! Not only does this activity promote artistic expression, but it also brings the wild and wonderful world of Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are to life.

Wild Things Dance Party

Make your kindergarten class come alive with a Wild Things Dance Party! Here’s how you can do it:

1. Prepare the Space: Clear out a space for the dance area, ensuring there’s enough room for all the little wild things to move about freely.
2. Music Selection: Choose music that is lively and energetic, with a rhythm that encourages the kids to move and dance like wild things.
3. Dress-Up Time: Using the masks they’ve crafted, let the children transform into their own versions of the wild things.
4. Dance Moves: Show the kids a few simple dance moves that they can enjoy doing, and let them create some of their own wild thing moves.
5. Guided Imaginary Play: Let the dance party be a voyage to the land of the wild things. Guide the kids’ play with suggestions about what they’re seeing and doing in the wild things’ habitat.

This activity will not only make the kids physically engaged but also stimulate their imagination and creativity. The joy of pretend play and the thrill of dancing like wild things will ensure an unforgettable experience for your kindergarten class!

Story Retelling

Here’s a simple way to structure the Story Retelling activity in your class:

1. Read the Story: Begin by reading Where the Wild Things Are aloud to the class. Make sure to show the illustrations, and encourage the children to pay attention to the story.
2. Discussion: After reading, discuss the story with the class. Ask questions about the main character, Max, his journey, and the wild things. This interaction will help reinforce their understanding of the story.
3. Role-Play: Assign roles to the children. Some can be the wild things, while one can be Max. Use the masks they’ve made for added fun!
4. Retelling: Encourage the children to retell the story in their own words, based on their assigned roles. Help them along if they struggle, but let them take the lead in the narrative.
5. Review: Finally, review the story once more to reinforce comprehension. Acknowledge the children’s effort and creativity in the retelling of this classic tale.

This activity enhances language and communication skills. Moreover, it nurtures their imagination and encourages them to think from different perspectives, making it a valuable addition to your “Where the Wild Things Are” activities for Kindergarten.

Max’s Boat Building

Use recycled materials to build Max’s boat.

1. Materials Needed: Gather materials such as recycled cardboard boxes, milk cartons, or paper tubes, glue, scissors, and non-toxic paint.
2. Design the Boat: Help the kids sketch the shape of Max’s boat on the cardboard. Ensure a broad base for the boat and a sail at the top.
3. Cut and Assemble: Cut out the boat shape carefully under adult supervision. Use glue to assemble all the parts. For the sail, cut out a triangle from a lighter cardboard or sturdy paper and attach it to the top with a paper tube or a straw.
4. Decorate: Once the boat structure is ready, let the children decorate it. They can paint the boat and add details like waves or sea creatures.
5. Dry and Play: Allow the boat to dry completely before playing. The children can now embark on an adventurous journey, just like Max, while learning about recycling and creativity at the same time.

Wild Things Puppet Show

Kids can perform a puppet show using their homemade wild things masks.

To set up a Wild Things Puppet Show, follow these simple steps:

1. Materials Needed: Kids will need their Wild Things masks, additional craft sticks (if they haven’t already attached them to their masks), and a large box to act as the puppet theater stage.
2. Prepare the Stage: Cut out a rectangular section from the front of the box to create the stage. Remember to leave enough room at the top of the box so that the children’s hands can move freely while controlling their puppets.
3. Puppet Preparation: If the kids have not already attached craft sticks to their masks, help them glue a stick to the bottom of each mask. Once the glue has dried, these mask-on-a-stick creations will serve as their puppets for the show.
4. Rehearse the Story: Assist the children in rehearsing the story of Where The Wild Things Are using their puppets. This will not only help them familiarize themselves with the flow of the story, but also practice manipulating their puppets to emulate different characters and expressions.
5. Perform: Once the children feel confident in their retelling, let them perform their puppet show. Encourage them to be expressive and have fun with their characters.
6. Applause: After the show, remember to applaud their effort and creativity. You could even invite parents or other classes to come and watch the performance.

This puppet show activity offers a fun way for children to express their understanding of the story while developing their storytelling and performance skills.

Wild Things Costume Parade

Organize a costume parade where kids can dress up as their favorite Wild Things character.

To facilitate a Wild Things Costume Parade:

1. Costume Making: Have the kids make their own wild things costumes using any materials at hand – paper, cardboard, fabric scraps, etc. Encourage them to get creative and come up with unique designs.
2. Parade Route: Plan out a parade route around the school or playground for the children to show off their costumes.
3. Music and Dance: Play some lively music and let the kids dance along as they parade around in their wild things costumes.
4. Wild Things Walk: Encourage the children to walk, move, and even roar like their chosen character during the parade.
5. Group Photo: Once the parade is over, gather all the children for a group photo in their costumes.

Creating a Wild Things Mural

Turn a wall in the classroom into a Wild Things mural, collectively painted by the children.

1. Materials Needed: Gather large sheets of paper, paint in different colors, brushes, and sponges for texture.
2. Plan the Design: Discuss with the children on how they want their mural to look like. Encourage them to share ideas and come to a consensus on the design.
3. Sketch: Once the design is finalized, help them sketch it out on the large paper.
4. Paint: Now comes the fun part – painting! Assign different areas of the mural to different groups or individuals and let their creativity flow.
5. Texture: Use sponges or other materials to add texture to certain parts of the mural, such as the wild things’ fur or trees in the background.
6. Display: Once the mural is complete and has dried, display it on a wall in the classroom for all to see and appreciate.

This activity not only allows children to express their artistic abilities but also promotes teamwork and collaboration as they work together to create a beautiful piece of art.

Wild Things Scavenger Hunt

Set up a scavenger hunt with clues related to the story.

To organize a Wild Things Scavenger Hunt:

1. Create Clues: Write out clues related to the story, such as “Where the wild things hide their treasure” (answer: under the bed), or “Where Max sailed away in his boat” (answer: the bathtub).
2. Hide Treasures: Hide small tokens or prizes at each location corresponding to the clue.
3. Hand Out Clues: Give each child a copy of the first clue and have them work together to solve it and find the hidden treasure.
4. Treats for All: Once all the treasures have been found, gather all the children for a treat or snack as they celebrate their successful scavenger hunt.

This activity promotes problem-solving skills, teamwork, and physical activity as children work together to solve the clues and find the hidden treasures.

Wild Things Reading Corner

Create a cozy reading corner with copies of Where the Wild Things Are for independent or group reading.

To set up a Wild Things Reading Corner:

1. Choose a Space: Pick out a quiet corner in the classroom or library to create a cozy reading nook.
2. Decorate: Use posters, cutouts, or stuffed animals related to the story to decorate the space and make it more inviting for children.
3. Gather Books: Have multiple copies of Where the Wild Things Are available for children to read on their own or with a partner.
4. Reading Activities: Have reading activities related to the story, such as creating bookmarks or drawing their favorite wild thing character after reading the book.
5. Quiet Time: Encourage children to use this space for quiet reading time when they need a break from other activities.

This reading corner activity promotes a love for reading and provides a comfortable space for children to relax and engage with the story.

Wild Things Sensory Bin

Fill a bin with thematic materials and items like faux fur for sensory exploration.

To create a Wild Things Sensory Bin:

1. Gather Materials: Collect materials such as faux fur, leaves, twigs, and other nature-inspired items to fill the bin.
2. Add Story Elements: Include props or items related to the story, like a crown for the king of all wild things or a boat for Max’s journey.
3. Sensory Play: Allow children to explore the items in the bin using their hands, senses, and imagination. Encourage them to retell the story as they play.
4. Clean Up: Remind children to help clean up after playing with the sensory bin, putting all the items back into the designated container.

Wild Things Story Sequencing

Children put pictures from the story in the correct order.

To set up a Wild Things Story Sequencing activity:

1. Print Pictures: Print out pictures or scenes from the story in black and white for children to color.
2. Color and Cut: Have children color the pictures and then cut them out carefully.
3. Mix Up the Order: Mix up the pictures and have children put them in the correct sequence, narrating the story as they do so.
4. Create a Book: Once the pictures are in order, have children glue them onto construction paper to create their own Where the Wild Things Are book.

This activity promotes reading comprehension and storytelling skills as children put events from the story in chronological order.

Max’s Crown Crafting

Let the kids make their version of Max’s crown using construction paper.

1. Materials Needed: Gather construction paper, scissors, glue, and any other decorative materials like glitter or markers.
2. Cut the Paper: Have children cut a long strip of construction paper to fit around their heads.
3. Decorate: Encourage children to decorate their crowns with different shapes and colors to create their own unique version.
4. Finishing Touches: Once the crown is decorated, help children staple or glue it together to fit their heads comfortably.

This activity encourages creativity and fine motor skills as children design and make their own Wild Things crowns.

Wild Things Shadow Puppetry

Use flashlights and hand-made puppets for a shadow puppet show.

1. Create Puppets: Have children cut out characters from the story using black construction paper or cardstock.
2. Attach Sticks: Glue or tape craft sticks onto the back of each character to use as puppet handles.
3. Build a Stage: Use a large white sheet or wall as a backdrop for the puppet show. Set up a flashlight or lamp behind the sheet to provide light for shadow puppets.
4. Practice and Perform: Have children practice moving their puppets behind the sheet and then put on a performance of Where the Wild Things Are.

This activity promotes storytelling, creativity, and dramatic play as children bring the story to life through shadow puppetry.

Wild Things Themed Snacks

Make fun-themed snacks, like ‘wild berries’ or ‘monster munch’, together.

1. Choose a Theme: Pick out a theme from the story, such as wild berries or monsters.
2. Gather Ingredients: Collect ingredients that fit with the chosen theme, like blueberries for wild berries or green jello for monster goo.
3. Get Creative: Have children help measure and mix ingredients to create their themed snack.
4. Enjoy!: Once the snack is ready, gather all the children to enjoy it together and discuss how it relates to the story.

This activity promotes teamwork, creativity, and healthy eating habits as children work together to create a fun and themed snack inspired by Where the Wild Things Are.

Wild Things Yoga

Teach kids simple yoga poses inspired by the characters’ movements in the story.

1. Learn Movements: Research different animal or creature poses that relate to the wild things in the story, such as a lion pose for the king of all wild things or a tree pose for their forest home.
2. Teach Children: Teach children these poses and have them practice together.
3. Incorporate Storytelling: As children hold each pose, encourage them to act out scenes from the story or retell it in their own words.
4. Cool Down: End the session with a calming and relaxing yoga pose like a child’s pose or a corpse pose.

Wild Things Dramatic Play

Set up a dramatic play center themed around the story.

1. Gather Materials: Collect materials such as costumes, props, and items related to the story, like a boat or a forest backdrop.
2. Create a Space: Set up an area for children to act out scenes from the story using the gathered materials.
3. Encourage Role-Playing: Encourage children to take on different roles and use their imagination to retell the story or create new adventures for the wild things.
4. Clean Up: Remind children to help clean up after playing in the dramatic play center, putting all props back where they belong.

Max’s Adventure Drawing

Have the kids draw their favorite scene from Max’s adventure.

1. Print Pictures: Print out pictures or scenes from the story for children to use as reference.
2. Choose a Scene: Have children choose their favorite scene from Where the Wild Things Are.
3. Draw and Color: Encourage children to draw and color their version of the scene, using the reference picture as a guide if needed.
4. Display and Discuss: Once completed, have children share their drawings with the class and discuss why they chose that particular scene.

This activity promotes creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression as children interpret and draw their favorite part of Where the Wild Things Are.

Wild Things Coloring

Provide children with Wild Things-themed coloring pages to color.

Feel free to use my picture below to color (click to expand):

Wild Things-Themed Outdoor Games

Organize games like “Wild Things Tag” or “Find Max”.

1. Choose a Game: Decide on a game related to the story, such as “Wild Things Tag” where children act out movements from characters in the story or “Find Max” where children search for hidden Max cutouts.
2. Set Up Space: Set up an outdoor space for children to play the game, making sure it is safe and appropriate for the chosen game.
3. Explain Rules: Explain the rules of the game to children and encourage them to play fair and have fun.
4. Play Together!: Join in on the game with the children, encouraging teamwork and sportsmanship.

These games promote physical activity, teamwork, and creativity as children participate in fun outdoor activities inspired by Where the Wild Things Are.

Wild Things Sing-Along

Teach the kids a simple song or rhyme about the Wild Things, and have a fun sing-along.

1. Learn the Song: Teach children a simple song or rhyme related to Where the Wild Things Are, such as “Ten Little Wild Things” or “Wild Thing, Wild Thing.”
2. Provide Props: Give each child a prop to use while singing, such as a crown or tail.
3. Sing and Act: Encourage children to act out movements or make sounds related to the song as they sing along.
4. Record and Share: Record the sing-along session and share it with parents, or have children perform for other classrooms.

This activity promotes music and movement, social skills, and creativity as children participate in a fun and interactive sing-along based on Where the Wild Things Are.

Conclusion

These activities promote a love for reading, creativity, and imaginative play as children engage with the story Where the Wild Things Are in various ways. By incorporating different areas of development, these activities provide a well-rounded learning experience for kindergarten students. So gather your wild things and let their imaginations run wild with these fun and educational activities inspired by this beloved children’s book. Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating Where the Wild Things Are into Kindergarten activities!