How Many Do I Have?
The teacher asks how many of each body part we have (one nose, two elbows, ten fingers) and children check by moving those parts, once for each. It builds knowledge of the body's parts, their symmetry and isolated movement.
How to play
- In a circle, the teacher asks, "How many noses do we have?" We touch it and wiggle it once like a bunny (1 min).
- Parts we have two of: eyes, ears, shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles; touch and move first one, then the other, counting "one, two" (3 min).
- Parts we have lots of: fingers and toes; wiggle them one by one, counting to ten (2 min).
- Roll the big die: however many dots come up, that's how many different parts we put on the floor at once (for example, 3: two feet and one hand) (3 min).
- Finish by counting together the parts we have just one of: head, nose, mouth, tummy, belly button (1 min).
Rules
- Count by touching each part.
- Everyone checks on their own body.
- Wait for the teacher to roll the die before moving.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use only parts we have one or two of, with the die showing 1 to 3 dots.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, add fingers and use the die from 1 to 6 with floor contacts.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, ask trick questions ("How many elbows do my partner and I have together?") and let them choose which parts touch the floor.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: do the die's contact points on the table or wheelchair tray.
- Visual impairment: use a die with raised dots made of thick felt glued on firmly and say the number aloud.
- Autism: keep a body poster with numbered parts in view.
Learning goals
- Know how many of each part the body has.
- Discover that many parts come in pairs, one on each side.
- Move parts one at a time while counting.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large foam die: 1
Teacher tip
This connects nicely with early math in the classroom. Careful with ears and eyes: touch them gently and never poke.
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