Body Part Clothespin Hunt
Each child wears three clothespins clipped onto their clothes at specific body parts. Everyone tries to grab clothespins from others, but only from the body part the teacher calls, so students must locate and protect that area while moving.
How to play
- Each student clips on three clothespins: on the shoulder, on the sleeve near the wrist and on the shirt hem at hip level (3 min).
- Mark off a 60 x 60 foot area and place 4 hoops in the corners as clothespin drop-off bins (1 min).
- On the whistle, the teacher calls a body part: shoulder. For 40 seconds, everyone tries to take shoulder clothespins from others and protects their own by turning their body, without covering them with hands (4 min).
- Each captured clothespin is run to a hoop, and the student who lost it grabs a new one from the nearest hoop and clips it back on the same spot, so no one is ever out (3 min).
- Change the body part each round: wrist, hip, and then combinations like wrist or hip (5 min).
- To finish, the class talks about which body part was hardest to protect (2 min).
Rules
- Only take clothespins from the called body part; if you grab another one, give it back.
- Pull the clothespin, never the clothes or the body, and no pushing.
- You may not cover your clothespin with your hand or lie on the ground.
- When you hear the whistle, everyone freezes.
Variations
Easier
Wear only two clothespins, on the shoulder and hip, and play at a fast walk.
Standard
Three clothespins, one body part per round, and free movement.
Harder
Add left and right: only grab clothespins from the right shoulder or the left wrist.
Adaptations
- For students with limited mobility or in wheelchairs, place clothespins on shoulders and sleeves and set up a safe zone where only walking classmates may approach.
- For shy students or students with autism, start in groups of four in a small area before playing with the whole class.
- For fitter students, have them hop on one foot while carrying a captured clothespin to the hoop.
Learning goals
- Locate body parts on oneself and others while moving.
- Dodge and turn the body to protect a specific area.
- Follow contact rules and the body part called each round.
Equipment for a class of 25
- clothespins: 100
- hoops: 4
Teacher tip
Use wooden or plastic clothespins without stiff springs; check that nobody clips them onto skin or hair, and watch for students pulling on clothing.
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