Action Verbs and Adverbs Warm-Up
The teacher calls an action verb and students act it out in their spot; then an adverb is added that changes how it is done, like "row slowly" or "climb sneakily." It warms up the body, builds body expression, and ties into language arts.
How to play
- The teacher writes or says eight action verbs: row, climb, swim, sweep, push, jump, box, and pedal; each student stands in a spot with space all around (1 min).
- Verb round: the teacher calls a verb every 15 seconds and everyone acts it out in place with the biggest range of motion they can (1.5 min).
- Adverb round: add "quickly," "slowly," "hugely," "tinily," "sneakily," and "happily"; the teacher pairs a verb with an adverb and the group changes how they move (2 min).
- Groups of four: taking turns, one student secretly picks a verb and an adverb and acts it out; the others guess the adverb, and once they get it, everyone does it together for 10 seconds (2.5 min).
- Wrap-up: each student picks a favorite combination, does it for 10 seconds, and freezes in a final statue pose (1 min).
Rules
- Everyone moves in their own spot without traveling or touching classmates.
- Safety: hitting or pushing verbs are done in the air, never at someone.
- Respect the performer's turn: raise your hand to guess instead of shouting.
Variations
Easier
Use verbs only, plus three very clear adverbs: fast, slow, and giant.
Standard
Combine all eight verbs with the six adverbs, first with the teacher and then in groups.
Harder
Link two verbs with the same adverb, or have students invent new adverbs for others to act out.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student acts out the verbs with the arms, trunk, and face from a chair; the adverbs work the same way.
- Autism or shyness: keep the word list visible, and the student can perform with a partner instead of alone.
- Fitness level: to raise the intensity, do each combination with high knees or jumps in place.
Learning goals
- Warm up the body by acting out actions with different movement qualities.
- Express differences in speed, size, and energy through movement.
- Connect language arts vocabulary to motor actions.
Teacher tip
Check with the classroom teacher which adverbs they are studying and use those. Kids tend to do everything fast, so praise anyone who pulls off a truly slow "slowly."
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