Dress the Right Part

Children run to a basket full of clothes, grab an item, put it on the body part where it belongs and go back for another. It builds the link between clothing and body parts, self-care skills and running.

How to play

1. Sitting around the basket, the teacher pulls out each item and asks, "Where does the hat go?" We touch the head, neck, hands, feet, wrist (2 min).
2. The basket goes to the far side of the playground; everyone sets off together, grabs one item, puts it on where it goes and runs back to the line (4 min).
3. Silly switch: the teacher says "Hat on your elbow!" "Sock on your hand!" and we put it where they say, even if it's funny (3 min).
4. Everyone goes back to the basket and takes the items off one by one, saying which part they came off, and puts them back (3 min).
5. Final parade: the teacher names a part and anyone wearing something there shows it off with a twirl (2 min).

Rules

• Take one item at a time.
• If someone needs help putting something on, we help.
• Run looking ahead and no pushing at the basket.
• Scarves are always loose, never tight around the neck.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a classmate brings the basket close and the child puts items on the upper body, or play in the classroom without running.
• Visual impairment: the child identifies each item by touch, and the basket stays in a fixed spot with a sound cue.
• Lower fine-motor skill: use big, loose items that go on without fastening.

Learning goals

• Match each piece of clothing to the right body part.
• Build independence in putting on and taking off clothes.
• Move quickly around the space without bumping.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Basket: 1
• Hats: 10
• Scarves: 8
• Gloves: 10
• Large socks: 10
• Wristbands: 10

Teacher tip

Ask families for old clothes a few days ahead; the bigger, the better. No pulling on scarves; if you're worried, swap them for short bandanas.

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