Chalk Symbol Circuit

Children learn a code of chalk symbols (straight line, zigzag, circle, X, footprints) and travel through a circuit doing the move each symbol calls for. Once they know the code, they can follow any circuit drawn on the playground and play it on their own at recess.

How to play

1. Seated, the teacher shows the cards: a straight line means tiptoe, a zigzag means run in curves, a circle means two-foot jump, an X means freeze, and footprints mean step right on them (2 min).
2. The teacher draws each symbol big and everyone tries it together, one by one, following the teacher (3 min).
3. Link the symbols into a closed circuit and go through it in a line, two steps behind the person ahead (4 min).
4. Change it up: the teacher rubs out a piece with a foot and draws a different symbol, so kids have to watch closely (3 min).
5. Everyone moves through the circuit freely at their own pace while the teacher watches from outside (3 min).

Rules

• Each symbol has its own move, so look at the ground before you step.
• On the X, stop, count to three and keep going.
• If someone is slower, wait behind them without pushing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: each symbol has a wheelchair or walker version (spin around in the circle, weave between cones in the zigzag).
• Autism: provide a strip showing the symbols in circuit order so the child can anticipate what's next.
• Visual impairment: draw thick symbols and lay a rope on the ground to mark the path between them.

Learning goals

• Match a symbol with a movement.
• Change how you travel based on what the circuit asks.
• Complete a circuit independently.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Sidewalk chalk: 10
• Symbol cards: 5

Teacher tip

Use the same symbols and colors across the whole school so any circuit drawn at recess explains itself. Spacing in line is what usually breaks down, so chalk a dot every two steps at the start.

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