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Bug Traffic Light

Depending on the color the teacher shows, little bugs crawl (green), slither on their bellies (yellow), or curl into a ball (red). They warm up by switching between different ways of moving on the floor.

Illustration of the PE activity Bug Traffic Light
PhaseWarm-up
Duration6 min
Ages3–6
SpaceAny space
EquipmentColored cards
IntensityModerate

How to play

  1. We introduce the traffic light: green, a crawling bug; yellow, a slithering worm; red, a roly-poly ball (1 min).
  2. We try each color together in place (1 min).
  3. We move around the room and switch with the card the teacher holds up (2 min).
  4. One child becomes the traffic light and the others follow (1 min).
  5. A long red light: roly-poly bugs breathing slowly (1 min).

Rules

Variations

Easier

Age 3: only green and red, and the teacher says the color out loud.

Standard

Age 4: all three colors with no words, just the card.

Harder

Age 5: add a fourth card (blue): crawl backward on all fours.

Adaptations

Learning goals

Equipment for a class of 25

Teacher tip

Use big cards and hold them high; kids on their bellies can't see up high, so crouch a little when you show them.

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