Related Show: Alma's Way
Pin the Coquí Frog on the Leaf Game
We’ve all heard of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, but how about Pin the Coquí on the Leaf? At your “Alma’s Way” birthday celebration, switch up this classic birthday party game and try something new. Children will love trying to place their tiny coquí frogs right in the center of a giant painted leaf, with the extra challenge of being blindfolded! This game is a wonderful way for children to explore their kinesthetic space as they feel their way around the game board.
In the “Alma’s Way” episode,”Coquí Quest,” Alma and her friends hope to find a coquí frog in the park. They soon learn that coquí frogs are native to Puerto Rico and that they won’t find one in the Bronx. But that doesn’t stop them from having fun pretending to be coquís! Your party guests will love this Alma-inspired game featuring this common frog from Puerto Rico.
Materials
Directions
Spread out a sheet of colorful posterboard or a piece of kraft paper. This should be approximately 22” x 28”.
Paint a large green leaf in the center of the posterboard. This can be as simple or as detailed as you like! You could also involve your children in this step, either letting them freehand paint a leaf or drawing an outline for them and letting them fill it in.
If you like, decorate the border of your posterboard with more painted leaves in various shades of green. This step is purely decorative, so if you are short on time, move on to Step 4.
In the center of the large leaf, paint a circle about 3” in diameter. This will be the “target” that children will try to hit as they place their coquí frogs on the leaf.
Print out the Coquí Frog printable (PDF). Cut out as many frogs as expected party guests.
Play the game at your party! Have each guest write their name on their coquí with a pen or a pencil. Add a piece of tape to the back of each frog. Then, one at a time, blindfold each child (or have them close their eyes) and ask them to try to stick their coquí frog as close as they can to the circle painted on the main leaf. Consider using a separate blindfold for each child. You might use scarves, fabric ties, or scraps of material.
Once all of the children have taken their turn, check to see whose coquí is the closest to the circle. The closest frog to the circle wins!
You can extend this activity by sharing more information and facts about coquís with party guests! A few quick facts? Puerto Rican coquí frogs are about 1-2 inches long and have special pads on their toes that allow them to climb vertically and cling to leaves or branches. Their name comes from the sound that male frogs make from dusk to dawn. “Ko-kee, ko-kee!”Just like Alma and her friends did, your party guest might enjoy trying to mimic their sound!
Want more “Alma’s Way” activities? Play musical chairs and make a chalk-tastic banner to continue the fun!
Author: 
Arts