If you re looking for a low maintenance pet, a hermit crab or a goldfish makes a good first pet. Make sure to add ears, eyes, whiskers, and markings that make the animal unique. Cut photographs or pictures of animals from magazines. Paste them onto cardboard or poster board and discuss each with the child. Label each animal and hang in the child s room.
Many public libraries give away old magazines.
Have a pretend pet show with stuffed animals. Encourage the child to make awards for every special animal like best ears, best smile, nicest tail, etc. Make animal sculptures out of modeling clay or play dough. Cook and stir until play dough leaves the sides of the pot. Knead as soon as the dough is cool enough to handle.