Why do animals play?

When to Ask?:

When watching pets, birds, monkeys, puppies, kittens, or animals in a video or book.

How to Ask?:

“I saw animals playing and wondered… why do you think they do that?”

Keep in Mind:

Invite imagination. The child may offer emotional, social, or practical reasons; all are worth exploring.

Follow Up [compare]:

Do you think animal play feels anything like human play?

Ask kids to:

Finish this question: “Why do animals…”