Go Through the Color Gate
Gates made of two same-colored cones are spread around the playground, and children go through them according to the color and way of moving the teacher calls. They practice finding their way, recognizing colors and deciding quickly which gate to choose.
How to play
- The teacher sets up gates all over the playground, two same-colored cones about an adult's step apart: red, blue, green and yellow gates (1 min).
- Stroll freely and go through any gate you find without touching the cones (2 min).
- The teacher calls a color and on the drum beat everyone finds a gate of that color, goes through, and keeps strolling (3 min).
- Magic gates: each color changes how you pass; red is hopping, blue is crawling, green is walking backward, yellow is tiptoeing (3 min).
- We're keys: in pairs holding hands, go through the gates together without letting go (2 min).
- Close the gates: each child picks up a cone and puts it in the bin of its color (1 min).
Rules
- Go through the middle of the gate without touching the cones.
- If a friend is going through, wait or find another gate of the same color.
- When the drum stops, listen for the new color.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use only two colors and very wide gates, walking through.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use four colors with a different way of passing for each.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, call two colors in a row (“first green, then red”) and make the gates narrower.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: make gates wide enough for a wheelchair and adapt the way of passing (spinning, raising arms).
- Visual impairment: use large, high-contrast cones and a buddy guide who names the color when approaching.
- Hearing impairment: the teacher holds up a cone of the color while saying it and shows a picture card of the movement.
Learning goals
- Recognize colors and find them in space.
- Move through a marked opening without touching its edges.
- Make quick decisions about where to go.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Cones in four colors: 24
- Hand drum: 1
Teacher tip
Set out plenty of gates of each color so no lines form. The usual issue is everyone heading to the gate nearest the teacher: spread each color across the whole playground.
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