Materials
None needed
Instructions
1. Select a shape that relates to the theme or project. Use simple line drawings
from pattern books such as frogs, cowboy hats, flowers, dinosaurs, circles,
squares, and so on. Enlarge the shape.
2. Using four different colors of construction paper, trace and cut out four shapes
for each color.
3. On four of the shapes, draw arrows pointing forward. On another four, draw
arrows pointing backward. Write a number and dots on the shapes that have
the arrows to indicate how many spaces to go backward and forward.
4. On one shape write, "Start."
5. Laminate the shapes or cover them with clear contact paper.
6. Arrange the shapes on the floor (see illustration). This game is similar to a
small board game, but the markers are the children.
7. Make color cards using the same colors of construction paper as the shapes.
Make at least 20 so they can be shuffled and the children will have many
from which to draw.
8. The first child draws a card and proceeds to that color. If there is an arrow on
it, the child will follow the arrow and count the number of spaces she needs
to move. If there is no arrow on the shape, the child remains on the shape
until her next turn.
9. Continue playing until all the children have had at least one turn. Then, start
all over again. Place the shapes further apart or add more, depending on the
size of the group.
More to do
Use this activity with any theme. Instead of using arrows, try using shapes, colors,
words, objects, or verbal directions (for example, "When you land on the red
shape, turn around and sit down," or "jump to the next color."). Use your imagination
and add your own directions to create many more floor games. Another
nice feature of this activity is that the children can play it with very little guidance
and can make up their own directions.
