Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes Speed-Up
Students sing and dance the well-known song, touching each body part as it is named, repeating it faster each time and adding movement. It builds rhythm, body awareness and a progressive warm-up that young children love.
How to play
- Have students stand in a circle or scattered, facing the teacher, with room to bend down (30 s).
- First time, slowly: sing "Head, shoulders, knees and toes" touching each part, and "eyes and ears and mouth and nose" at the end (1 min).
- Repeat the song at normal speed, then fast, with recorded music or sung by the group (1 min).
- Silent version: drop the word "head" and just touch it; next time also drop "shoulders" (1 min).
- Moving version: between verses, the class runs in place or does four jumps (90 s).
- Finish with one last round in super slow motion to catch their breath (1 min).
Rules
- Bend your knees when touching your toes instead of snapping your back down.
- Stay in your own space without touching others.
- If you make a mistake, keep going: the goal is not to stop.
- In the silent version, don't say the word; just do the motion.
Variations
Easier
Always sing at a slow speed without dropping words.
Standard
Three speeds plus the progressive silent version.
Harder
In pairs, respectfully touch a partner's shoulders and knees during the song.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: in a wheelchair, reach toward the toes as far as possible or swap "toes" for "tummy".
- Hearing impairment: the teacher exaggerates the motions facing the class and can add the ASL sign for each word.
- Autism: announce ahead of time how many times the song will be sung and at what speed.
Learning goals
- Identify and touch the main body parts.
- Match movements to different tempos.
- Warm up joyfully as a group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music: 1
Teacher tip
This works great at the start of class to grab attention. Lead from the front with bigger-than-normal motions: students copy the teacher's energy.
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