Engaging Preschool Activities Inspired by 5 Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree for Inclusive Classrooms

*This blog contains Amazon Affiliate Links*

Preschool classrooms for children with autism thrive when activities are both engaging and supportive of developmental goals. The book 5 Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree offers a playful and rhythmic story that can inspire meaningful learning experiences. This blog post explores how educators can use this story to create activities that promote communication, motor skills, social interaction, and sensory engagement in autism classrooms.

Classroom corner decorated with 5 Little Monkeys theme

Using Storytelling to Build Communication Skills

The repetitive and rhythmic nature of 5 Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree makes it ideal for encouraging language development. Children with autism often benefit from predictable patterns and repetition, which this story provides naturally.

• Interactive Reading: Pause after each verse and encourage children to repeat key phrases or count the monkeys. This helps with verbal imitation and turn-taking.

• Visual Supports: Use picture cards representing each monkey and the tree to support comprehension and vocabulary building.

• Sign Language Integration: Incorporate simple signs for words like “monkey,” “tree,” “jump,” and “fall” to support nonverbal communication.

• Use a voice output button to include students in saying "You Can't Catch Me!" or "SNAP!"

  
  

These strategies help children connect words with actions and objects, reinforcing understanding and expressive language.

Motor Skill Activities Inspired by the Story

The story’s action of monkeys swinging and jumping invites movement-based activities that develop both fine and gross motor skills.

• Monkey Swing Game: Set up a safe “swing” area using a low rope or fabric swing. Children can take turns swinging while others count the monkeys, combining movement with counting practice.

• Jumping Monkeys: Create a hopping or jumping game where children mimic monkeys jumping off the tree. Use colored spots on the floor to guide jumps and improve coordination.

• Jumping Monkeys Game is great for working on taking turns and getting students engaged in small group play! Amazon Affiliate Link to game: https://amzn.to/48Y0ctf

• Finger Play: Use finger puppets or hand motions to represent monkeys swinging and falling. This supports fine motor control and hand-eye coordination. Amazon Affiliate Link to puppets: https://amzn.to/4p0uErL

  
  

Movement activities help children regulate energy and improve body awareness, which are essential for learning and social interaction.

Social Interaction Through Group Play

5 Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree naturally encourages group participation, making it a great tool for fostering social skills.

• Role Play: Assign roles to children as monkeys, the tree, or the doctor. Acting out the story promotes cooperation, turn-taking, and understanding social roles.

• Counting Together: Use counting songs or chants from the story to encourage group engagement and shared attention.

• Problem Solving: Discuss what happens when monkeys fall and how the doctor helps. This can lead to conversations about safety, empathy, and helping others.

  
  

These activities create opportunities for children to practice social communication in a fun, low-pressure setting.

Sensory play area with monkey-themed textures and toys

Sensory Activities to Support Regulation

Children with autism often benefit from sensory experiences that help them stay calm and focused. The monkey theme can be used to design sensory activities that engage multiple senses.

• Textured Tree Craft: Create a tactile tree using different materials like felt, sandpaper, and cotton balls. Children can touch and explore textures while building the tree.

• Monkey Sensory Bin: Fill a bin with items like small stuffed monkeys, leaves, and soft balls. Encourage children to explore the bin, promoting tactile and visual sensory input.

• Rhythmic Clapping: Use the story’s rhythm to guide clapping or tapping activities. This supports auditory processing and motor planning.

  
  

Sensory play linked to familiar stories helps children connect sensory input with language and social experiences.

Practical Tips for Autism Classrooms

When adapting 5 Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree for autism classrooms, consider these practical tips:

• Keep Activities Short and Structured: Children with autism often focus better with clear, concise activities.

• Use Visual Schedules: Show the sequence of activities to prepare children for transitions.

• Incorporate Interests: If monkeys or animals are a favorite topic, use that to increase motivation.

• Be Flexible: Adjust activities based on each child’s sensory needs and communication level.

  
  

By tailoring activities to individual needs, educators can create a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Bringing the Story to Life Every Day

The charm of 5 Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree lies in its simplicity and rhythm. Using it as a foundation, educators can build a variety of activities that support key developmental areas for children with autism. From language and motor skills to social interaction and sensory regulation, this story offers many pathways to learning.

If you would like to purchase this book please consider using my Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3Mz4uyx