Finding Shade in Summer
It's summer and kids are playing around the playground; when the teacher holds up the noon sun, they run to take cover in the shade of the trees (hoops), sharing it with everyone, and there's less shade each time. Kids work on reaction, running and the habit of protecting themselves from the sun.
How to play
- We talk about summer: what we do when it's really hot (cap, water, shade) and put on our caps (2 min).
- We play at a pretend beach: jumping waves, building sandcastles, swimming standing up around the playground (2 min).
- Noon sun! The teacher holds up the sun and we all run to a tree's shade (hoop) and put at least one foot in (2 min).
- The sun moves: the teacher takes away a hoop each time and we share the shade, making room for friends (3 min).
- We drink pretend water under the tree and cool off splashing "water" with our hands (1 min).
- Evening comes and the heat fades: we leave the shade and stroll calmly (2 min).
Rules
- When the noon sun comes out, I run to the shade.
- We share the shade: I make room for friends.
- No one stays in the sun: if space runs out, we help each other.
- I run looking ahead so I don't bump.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, no hoops are removed and the teacher walks with the slower kids.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, hoops are removed until three or four shady spots are left for everyone.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the teacher says how to get to the shade (hopping, on one foot, sideways), and at the end there's one hoop where everyone puts in a finger.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: their shade spot stays put and the others come to share it.
- Hearing loss: the signal is the big, visible cardboard sun.
- Autism: has their own hoop that never gets removed and can choose whether to share it.
Learning goals
- React quickly to a visual signal.
- Share space and help classmates.
- Learn sun-safety habits.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Hoops: 8
- Cardboard sun on a stick: 1
- Caps: 25
Teacher tip
If it really is summer, play early or in real shade with water nearby: the game teaches self-care, not sweating it out. Point out out loud every time someone makes room for another child.
PatioLab has "Finding Shade in Summer" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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