Grape Bunches the Blackbird Can't Peck
Children are loose grapes rolling around the vineyard; the greedy blackbird (the teacher) chases them, and grapes are safe by hugging into bunches with as many grapes as the drum beats. It's a hug tag game that practices counting and grouping up with anyone.
How to play
- The teacher shows a bunch: grapes in a side hug, heads together; we try bunches of two and three (2 min).
- Grapes roll around the vineyard (running and spinning); the blackbird flies among them without tagging yet (1 min).
- The drum beats twice: bunches of two; the blackbird tags loose grapes, who become little blackbird helpers until the next drum (3 min).
- Mix two, three and four beats; if a grape is left over, the nearest bunch takes them in (4 min).
- Harvest time: the drum beats lots of times and everyone joins one giant bunch (1 min).
- The giant bunch sways slowly side to side in the wind (1 min).
Rules
- I listen to the drum and count the beats.
- In a bunch we side-hug without squeezing.
- Nobody is left out: a bunch takes in the extra grape.
- If the blackbird tags me, I help until the next drum.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only bunches of two, and hugging any classmate or the teacher counts.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, bunches of two and three, with little blackbird helpers.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, bunches of two, three and four, and the teacher also shows fingers to combine listening and looking.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: classmates bunch around the child's wheelchair, which is the vine, so they're always safe with them.
- Autism or touch sensitivity: in a bunch, touching hands or knees counts instead of hugging.
- Hearing impairment: the teacher holds up the number on their fingers while beating the drum.
Learning goals
- Group up quickly with different classmates.
- Match the number of beats to a number of children.
- Include whoever is left on their own.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Hand drum
Teacher tip
What matters is that no one is left out: insist the bunch takes in the extra grape even if it gets bigger. Beat the drum slowly and clearly, pausing between beats.
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