Color Code Body Part Cone Tag

Each cone color is linked to a body part: red, elbow; blue, knee; yellow, shoulder; green, foot. The teacher calls a color and students run to touch a cone of that color with the matching body part, memorizing the code and naming body segments.

How to play

1. Scatter about 30 cones of four colors around the playground. On a large piece of cardstock, draw the code: red elbow, blue knee, yellow shoulder, green foot, and post it where everyone can see (3 min).
2. Practice walking: the teacher calls a color, everyone goes to a cone of that color and touches it with the code's body part, naming it out loud (3 min).
3. Running game: the teacher calls a color every 10 seconds and everyone runs to touch a different cone each time. Each correct touch earns one personal point (4 min).
4. Change the code: the teacher flips the cardstock to show a new code, like red head or green hand, and the class plays again (4 min).
5. Partner challenge: one partner calls two colors in a row and the other must touch both cones with the right body parts before coming back; then they switch (3 min).
6. To finish, cover the cardstock and the teacher asks for the code to see who remembers it (1 min).

Rules

• You can't touch the same cone twice in a row.
• Touch cones gently, without kicking or knocking them over.
• If someone is already at a cone, find another one of the same color.
• Run with your head up so you don't bump into anyone crouching.

Variations

Adaptations

• For a student in a wheelchair, place some cones on benches or chairs so they can touch them with a hand, elbow or shoulder.
• For students with memory challenges or autism, give each one a small card with the code drawn on it.
• For fitter students, spread the cones farther apart or have them return to the center between touches.

Learning goals

• Link body parts to a code and remember it while moving.
• Touch objects precisely with specific body segments.
• React quickly to a verbal signal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• colored cones: 30
• cardstock: 2

Teacher tip

Keep cones away from walls and goals and spread them out; touching with a knee or shoulder means crouching, so make sure two students don't crouch at the same cone.

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