Fingers Count, Bodies Answer
The teacher silently holds up a number of fingers and the class answers with that many jumps, claps or squats, always in place. A very active classroom break that combines looking, counting and moving.
How to play
- Standing next to their chairs or on their rug spot, the teacher explains: “I won't talk, I'll only show you fingers” (1 min).
- The teacher holds up fingers and everyone claps that many times, counting out loud (2 min).
- Now feet-together jumps: as many jumps as fingers, then freeze (2 min).
- The teacher shows fingers on one hand and points to a body part with the other: knees (squats), arms (reach to the ceiling), feet (stomps) (2 min).
- A child becomes the teacher and holds up fingers; everyone answers and counts along (2 min).
- Finish with a closed fist: zero fingers, zero moves, and breathe while standing still (1 min).
Rules
- Watch the teacher's fingers without talking.
- Jump in your own spot without leaving it.
- When the teacher closes the fist, freeze like a statue.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use one to three fingers and only claps and jumps.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use one to five and different body parts.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, go up to ten with both hands, and if the teacher points the fingers down, do the move crouched.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: answer with claps, knee pats or head nods.
- Visual impairment: a buddy taps the child's shoulder once per finger, or the teacher whispers the number.
- Autism: always use the same three moves in the same order.
Learning goals
- Get physically active in a small space.
- Match the number of fingers to the number of moves.
- Stay visually focused without spoken directions.
Teacher tip
A great way to get the class quiet without raising your voice. Spread the chairs apart first, since kids tend to drift toward each other when jumping.
PatioLab has "Fingers Count, Bodies Answer" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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