Hugs Against the Icy Wind

The teacher is the icy wind that blows and chases everyone; anyone hugging a friend stays warm and the wind can't tag them. It warms us up with running and practices finding someone to stay safe together.

How to play

1. Sitting down, the teacher explains it's freezing and a hug warms us up; we practice gentle hugs in pairs (1 min).
2. Everyone runs around rubbing their arms because it's cold; the wind (the teacher) blows “whooo” and starts chasing (1 min).
3. To be safe, hug someone and count to three; then let go and run again (2 min).
4. If the wind tags someone who isn't hugging, they shiver in place until a friend hugs them and thaws them out (1 min).
5. The sun comes out: the wind leaves, everyone joins a big group hug and walks slowly (1 min).

Rules

• Gentle hugs, no squeezing or pulling.
• I count to three and let go.
• If I see someone shivering, I give them a hug.
• We can hug anyone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: friends come to hug the child, who stays safe with them; they can also be the sun that thaws people out.
• Autism or touch sensitivity: a hug can be swapped for a double high five or standing back to back.
• Visual impairment: plays holding hands with a buddy guide; stopping together counts as a hug.

Learning goals

• Warm up with running and stopping.
• Find a friend to stay safe together.
• Help classmates who are frozen.

Teacher tip

Before playing, teach a side hug, which is safer than a front hug while running. Watch for pairs who stay hugging forever: sing out “One, two, three, run!”

More activities like this

More warm-ups for Elementary