Free Play With Three Rules

With all the room's materials available, children play freely while the teacher watches, accompanies, puts words to what's happening and reminds them of the three rules when needed. It's the heart of the movement session: each child chooses, explores and expresses themselves through their body.

How to play

1. On the bench, the teacher goes over the three rules and shows the end signal: three drum beats (2 min).
2. Free play: each child chooses materials, friends and games; the teacher moves around, supports, names what they see and joins in only when invited (12 min).
3. Two minutes before the end, the teacher says, “Almost time, finish what you're doing” (2 min).
4. On the three drum beats, everyone freezes like a statue right where they're playing (2 min).
5. Each child looks around and points to what they've been doing (2 min).

Rules

• I don't hurt myself.
• I don't hurt anyone.
• I don't break what someone else is building.
• On three drum beats, we freeze.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: keep a clear area with materials at the child's height, and an adult helps change position on request.
• Autism: set up a quiet corner with a fabric where the child can retreat when needed.
• Hearing loss: make the end signal visual too: the teacher flicks the lights off and on.

Learning goals

• Make choices about what, with what and with whom to play.
• Respect basic rules without losing the freedom of play.
• Express feelings and wishes through movement and pretend play.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Foam blocks: 40
• Large fabric pieces: 10
• Mats: 6
• Cushions: 8

Teacher tip

Set limits with your body and a calm voice, close up and at their level, never by shouting from across the room. Watch and later jot down what each child plays; it's the best way to get to know your kids.

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