Elbow, Knee, and Shoulder Magnets
In pairs, children become two magnets stuck together by the body part the teacher calls, moving around without coming apart. It builds coordination with another person, matching someone else's pace, and gentle touch.
How to play
- The teacher shows with one child how two magnets stick: “Click!” hand to hand, and they walk together without separating (1 min).
- In pairs, hand magnets: walk around without letting go; at “Unstuck!” they let go and find a new partner (1 min).
- Elbow magnets: stick elbow to elbow and walk sideways like crabs (1 min).
- Shoulder magnets: shoulder to shoulder, walk slowly and turn together around a classmate standing still (1 min).
- Knee magnets: face each other, touch one knee, and do small bounces in place at the same time (1 min).
- The magnet runs out: pairs come apart very slowly, shake out, and wave goodbye (1 min).
Rules
- I stick on softly, no pushing.
- If my partner goes slow, I go slow too.
- At “Unstuck!” I find a new partner.
- If something bothers me, I say “Stop” and we come apart.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only hands and elbows, walking, and the teacher makes magnets with them.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, all four body parts and a new partner every round.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, double magnets (hand and foot at once) and weaving between other pairs without touching them.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the partner sticks to the child's hand or shoulder and pushes at the child's pace; the pair follows the slower speed.
- Autism: offer a magnet without skin contact by holding a scarf between the two hands, and start with a familiar partner.
- Visual impairment: the contact acts as a guide; the partner announces turns out loud (“We're turning right”).
Learning goals
- Adjust movement to match another person.
- Find and name body parts.
- Accept respectful touch and know how to stop it.
Teacher tip
Make the “Click!” with a sound and a gesture: little ones love it and it marks the start. Watch for kids pulling their partner; remind them the magnet goes “at the speed of the slowest friend.”
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