Circle Hunters on the Playground
As a group with the teacher, children explore the playground looking for circles, squares and triangles hidden in everyday things and go touch them, moving in different ways. They practice recognizing shapes in the real world and moving safely around the playground.
How to play
- In a circle, we make a circle with our arms, a square with our fingers and a triangle with our hands together (1 min).
- Holding a buddy's hand, we set off on an expedition: the teacher asks, "Where do you see a circle?" and we point without letting go (3 min).
- When someone spots one (a wheel, a trash can, a lid), we all go touch it the way the teacher says: hopping, on tiptoe or with giant steps (4 min).
- Now we look for squares and rectangles: windows, tiles, doors; we stand inside them or next to them (4 min).
- Back in the circle, each child draws in the air the shape they liked finding most (2 min).
Rules
- We all stay together with the teacher.
- Only touch what the teacher says is OK.
- Watch where you walk.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only circles, and the teacher points first.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, circles and squares, and they find them on their own.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, add triangles and rectangles, and look for big and small ones: "a huge circle and a tiny one."
Adaptations
- Child who uses a wheelchair: the route goes through accessible areas and objects are brought down to their level.
- Child with low vision: feels the edges of the shapes they find.
- Autistic child: carries a card with the shape we're looking for and shows it when they find one.
Learning goals
- Recognize shapes in everyday objects.
- Move safely around the playground.
- Connect what they see with what they touch.
Teacher tip
Walk the playground beforehand and pick three or four shapes that are safe to touch. Avoid swings in use or fences with sharp tops.
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