Don't Wake the Giant

The teacher is a sleeping giant; children tiptoe around and, every time the giant snores or rolls over, they freeze completely on tiptoes or on one foot so as not to wake it. It works on static balance on tiptoes and on one foot, with excitement and no chasing.

How to play

1. The teacher lies down and explains that they're a very sleepy giant who must not be woken (1 min).
2. Children tiptoe around the giant without making a sound (2 min).
3. The giant snores loudly: everyone freezes on tiptoes until the snoring stops (3 min).
4. The giant rolls over: everyone freezes on one foot, barely breathing (2 min).
5. The giant opens one eye and looks: if it sees someone moving, it yawns and goes back to sleep, and we keep going (2 min).
6. The giant wakes up fully, stretches, and greets everyone with a giant hug (2 min).

Rules

• I walk on tiptoes and quietly.
• When the giant snores or moves, I freeze like a statue.
• The giant is friendly: it doesn't catch anyone.
• I don't touch the giant while it sleeps.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they move quietly in the wheelchair and, when the giant snores, freeze with arms up.
• Hearing impairment: the giant raises an arm while snoring so it can be seen as well as heard.
• Children who scare easily: explain beforehand that the giant is friendly, and they can be the giant's helper sitting nearby.

Learning goals

• Balance on tiptoes and on one foot.
• Control the body quietly in response to a sound.
• Enjoy the thrill of the game without fear.

Teacher tip

Your acting is everything: over-the-top snores, slow roll-overs, and loud yawns. Never chase anyone; the fun is in the suspense of staying still, not in escaping.

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