Catch the Sunbeam
On a sunny playground, the teacher reflects sunlight with a shatterproof mirror and makes a little sunbeam dance across the ground and wall; children chase it and try to cover it with a hand or foot. It practices running with changes of direction and quick reactions.
How to play
- Sit down while the teacher makes a sunbeam appear on the ground with the mirror: say hello to it and watch it move (1 min).
- The sunbeam strolls slowly across the ground and we follow it walking; when it stops, try to cover it with your hand (2 min).
- The sunbeam gets playful: it jumps from place to place and we run to cover it with a foot (3 min).
- The sunbeam climbs the low wall and we touch it by stretching or jumping (2 min).
- In pairs, holding hands, catch the sunbeam together without letting go (3 min).
- The sunbeam hides in the shade and we sit down to breathe (1 min).
Rules
- The sunbeam goes on the ground and wall, never on faces.
- Run while watching out for friends so you don’t bump.
- When the sunbeam hides, freeze.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the sunbeam moves slowly and only along the ground.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, the sunbeam jumps around and climbs the wall.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the sunbeam asks for a body part to cover it: “With your elbow!” “With your knee!”
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the sunbeam passes close to the wheelchair and they cover it with a hand or “catch” it with a wheel.
- Visual impairment: shine the sunbeam on dark surfaces so it stands out, and a buddy tells them where it is.
- More skilled children: the sunbeam moves faster and in zigzags, always in an area with no obstacles.
Learning goals
- Run with changes of direction.
- React quickly to a visual cue.
- Play all together without bumping.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Shatterproof mirror: 1
Teacher tip
The mirror always stays in adult hands, aimed below eye level: practice before the session. With lots of children, send the sunbeam to wide-open areas so they don’t pile up in one spot.
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