Copy the Partner Photo
Pairs dance, and when the music stops, they copy the pose on a picture card showing two children and a chair. They practice spatial relationships between people and objects along with body expression.
How to play
- The teacher shows drawn cards of two children in different positions: one in front of the other, one behind a chair and the other sitting on it, back to back, side by side (2 min).
- In pairs with one chair, we dance to the music; when it stops, the teacher shows a card and the pair gets into the same position, like a photo (6 min).
- The teacher goes "click!" with a pretend camera and checks each pair, saying how they're placed: "Lucy in front, Paul behind" (2 min).
- Pairs invent a position, show it to another pair, and that pair copies it (3 min).
- We take one last whole-class photo: some sitting in front, others standing behind (1 min).
Rules
- I agree with my partner without pushing.
- When the music stops, I look at the card.
- I sit on the chair only if the card shows it.
- In the photo, we freeze and smile.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use just three cards (in front, behind, side by side) and have the teacher model the pose with a child.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use all the cards with the chair.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, kids say how they're placed before the "click."
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: make cards for this pair where the wheelchair is the chair and the partner stands in front, behind, or beside.
- Autism: use cards in the same order at first and let the partner be an adult.
- Visual impairment: the teacher describes the card in words and guides the child's hands to check the pose.
Learning goals
- Recreate spatial relationships between two people and an object.
- Use in front of, behind, beside, and on top of in real situations.
- Reach agreement with a partner.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Picture cards of pairs: 10
- Chairs: 13
- Music
Teacher tip
Draw very simple stick figures with each child in a different color so they can tell who's who. Use sturdy chairs placed against a wall or with an adult nearby.
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