Action Words That Start the Same

The teacher picks a sound and calls out action words that start with it ("j-j-j: jump, jog, juggle, jiggle") and everyone does them; then the children suggest more. They practice beginning sounds and a wide range of movements.

How to play

1. In a circle, say "Today we play with j-j-j!" and show jump, jog, juggle and jiggle (2 min).
2. To the drumbeat, move around the space; call out one of the j words and everyone does it (2 min).
3. Switch to sss: skip, swim, sweep and sit (2 min).
4. Switch to rrr: run in place, roll, row and roar (2 min).
5. Say a sound and children suggest an action that starts with it; if it fits, we all do it (3 min).
6. Finish with a slow chain of three actions with the same sound in a row (1 min).

Rules

• I hear the word and do it with my whole body.
• If I come up with a word, I say it loud so everyone hears.
• I move into empty spaces.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: each action has an arm and trunk version (row, swim and sweep already are).
• Hearing impairment: show the letter and a picture card of the action.
• Higher skill level: combine two actions at once (jog and juggle).

Learning goals

• Identify the beginning sound of action words.
• Build action vocabulary through movement.
• Perform varied traveling, jumping and turning moves.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

Have four or five actions ready for each sound. When children suggest a word that isn't an action, turn it into one ("Ball! Okay, let's bounce like a ball").

More main activities for Elementary