Here Comes a Boat Loaded With…
The teacher calls out “Here comes a boat loaded with… kids wearing blue shoes,” and everyone who matches crosses the river from one shore to the other. It builds attention, recognizing colors and clothing, and running.
How to play
- Use cones to mark two shores about 30 feet apart. All children start on one shore; the teacher stands in the middle, in the “river.”
- Chant: “Here comes a boat, here comes a boat loaded with… anyone wearing red!” Kids wearing red cross to the other shore with quick walking (1 min).
- Keep calling: clothing colors, anyone with ponytails, anyone with a brother or sister, anyone who is five… (3 min).
- Every few calls, change how they cross: hopping like kangaroos, crawling, tiptoeing, or rowing with their arms.
- Finish: “Here comes a boat loaded with… every kid in our class!” and the whole group crosses, cheering with arms up (1 min).
Rules
- Only cross if the boat call fits you.
- If you’re not sure, check your clothes calmly.
- Cross looking ahead, no pushing.
- Nobody is out: if you mix up, just play the next call.
Variations
Easier
Only clothing colors, crossing by walking.
Standard
Colors, clothing, and traits, crossing in different ways.
Harder
Two conditions at once, like “something blue and something white,” or ones you can’t see, like “anyone who ate fruit for breakfast.”
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: cross by wheelchair or with a buddy, and use a closer shore if needed.
- Hearing loss: also show the call with a colored object or card and a clear “cross” signal.
- More skilled kids cross hopping on one foot; less skilled kids get calls paired with you pointing to that clothing item on yourself.
Learning goals
- Recognize their own colors, clothing, and traits.
- Decide quickly whether the call includes them.
- Travel from one area to another in different ways.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Make sure every child crosses several times: call things that include kids who haven’t moved yet. Avoid any calls that could single out or embarrass someone.
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