Do What the Rag Doll Does
The teacher moves a rag doll named Floppy, and kids do with their bodies whatever Floppy does: if he jumps, they jump; if he lies down, they lie down; if he tiptoes, so do they. It builds visual attention, copying a small model and body awareness.
How to play
- Kids sit in a circle and the teacher introduces Floppy: "A friend came to play today. Whatever Floppy does, we do."
- Lift one of the doll's arms, then the other; kids copy. Then make him touch his head, tummy and feet. One minute.
- Everyone stands and spreads out: Floppy walks, jogs slowly, jumps and stops. The group copies around the gym for a minute and a half.
- Floppy lies down to sleep, rolls over and sits up. Everyone copies on the floor. One minute.
- Floppy hides behind the teacher's back: everyone freezes like a statue until he pops out again.
- Finish: the teacher hands Floppy to one child, who moves him for a few seconds while the others copy. Pass him to two or three more kids.
Rules
- Keep your eyes on Floppy the whole time.
- When Floppy disappears, freeze.
- Move without bumping.
- Hold Floppy gently: he's our friend.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, Floppy only does seated moves in the circle.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, Floppy travels and the group follows around the gym.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, Floppy does two moves in a row and the group repeats them in order.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: copy Floppy's arm and head moves while seated.
- Low vision: sit close by while the teacher says out loud what Floppy is doing.
- More skilled kids copy with no help; less skilled kids copy the teacher acting like Floppy beside them.
Learning goals
- Copy a small model's movements with the whole body.
- Keep visual attention on an object.
- Recognize body parts on the doll and on yourself.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rag doll: 1
Teacher tip
Give Floppy a voice and a personality: at this age kids will listen to him more than to you. Move the doll slowly and hold it high so everyone can see.
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