Dino Dig Paleontologists Movement Story
Teams of four paleontologists travel to a dig site, uncover imaginary bones and finish by building a dinosaur skeleton with their own bodies. It combines a full-body warm-up with teamwork and small-group body expression.
How to play
- Make groups of 4; each group stands by a cone that is their base camp. The teacher announces big news: bones have been found in the desert! (30 sec).
- Jeep ride: in a line of four with hands on the shoulders of the person in front, jog around the court following the bumps the teacher calls (little hops, curves) (1 min 30 sec).
- Digging: everyone digs with their hands, alternating deep squats and reaching both arms overhead, 12 reps (1 min).
- Carry the giant bone: in pairs, lift a very heavy imaginary bone and side-step it to another cone and back; then switch partners (1 min 30 sec).
- Build the skeleton: each group freezes their bodies into a dinosaur (neck, legs, tail) for 10 seconds; build 3 different dinosaurs with 30 seconds to plan each (2 min).
- Final photo: all groups pose at once and the teacher snaps a pretend photo (30 sec).
Rules
- The group decides together: every idea for the skeleton gets heard.
- No pulling in the jeep line: the leader sets the pace.
- Nobody climbs on top of a classmate when building the skeleton.
- While digging, everyone keeps their own space.
Variations
Easier
Build the skeleton in pairs instead of groups of four.
Standard
Tell the whole dig story and build three skeletons per group.
Harder
The teacher names a specific dinosaur and the group has 15 seconds to show it.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: is the dig boss who directs the build and forms the skeleton's head from their spot.
- Shyness: place the student with trusted classmates and let them choose which body part to be.
- Fitness level: during the bone carry, students who want more challenge side-step in a low squat.
Learning goals
- Warm up the body with locomotor movement and light strength actions.
- Work as a small group to create a body shape.
- Respect classmates' ideas when making group decisions.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 7
Teacher tip
Set the groups yourself so they're balanced and place the cones before class. Praise the most creative skeletons out loud to keep energy high.
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