Hot and Cold Clap Hunt
A seeker turns away while the group hides a scarf; when the seeker returns, classmates guide them only with soft claps that get louder as they get closer. It's a calm listening and teamwork game where the whole group takes part by guiding without words.
How to play
- Seat the class in 2 groups of 12-13 in different areas of the gym, each with a scarf (1 min).
- In each group, a seeker faces the wall with eyes closed while one classmate hides the scarf in the group's area, partly visible; everyone else stays seated.
- The seeker walks slowly around the area; the seated group claps very softly when they're far away and louder and faster as they get closer.
- When the seeker finds the scarf, everyone celebrates with silent applause (waving hands in the air) and the seeker picks the next seeker (2 min per round).
- Play about 3 rounds per group; in the last one, replace clapping with a soft "mmm" hum that rises and falls in volume (5 min).
Rules
- No talking or pointing: guide only with claps.
- The seeker walks, never runs.
- Hide the scarf in safe spots at floor or hand height, never up high.
- Even the loudest claps stay moderate, with no shouting.
Variations
Easier
Leave the scarf in plain sight and focus only on guiding with claps.
Standard
Partly hide the scarf and guide with claps that rise and fall.
Harder
Hide two scarves, and the group must guide the seeker to one and then the other.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student in a wheelchair can be the seeker in a wide, clear area.
- Hearing impairment: the group guides with a visible gesture, raising and lowering arms according to distance.
- Shy students: they can search with a partner, holding hands.
Learning goals
- Interpret sound signals to find your way in space.
- Cooperate with the group by adjusting the strength of the signal.
- Keep the atmosphere calm and quiet.
Equipment for a class of 25
- scarf: 2
Teacher tip
Clearly mark each group's hiding area so groups don't overlap. Students love this game, so use it as a closing reward when the class has worked well.
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