In Front, Behind or Beside My Hoop

Each child has a hoop on the floor and stands inside, outside, in front, behind, beside or straddling it, following the teacher's call. Children practice basic spatial concepts using the hoop as a reference.

How to play

1. Everyone lays a hoop on the floor, steps inside and faces the teacher (1 min).
2. "In!" and "Out!": the teacher says it and does it at the same time so children can copy (1 min).
3. Add "in front of" and "behind" the hoop, always facing the teacher (1 min).
4. Add "beside" and "straddle," with one foot in and one foot out (1 min).
5. Quick round mixing all the positions, a little faster each time (1 min).

Rules

• My hoop stays still: I'm the one who moves.
• I listen to the word, then I move.
• If I get it wrong, I look at the teacher and fix it.
• I walk, not run, around my hoop.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing loss: picture cards showing a child and the hoop in each position.
• Limited mobility: place the hoop around or next to the wheelchair, and a friend helps move the hoop instead.
• Autism: start with just two positions and add one new position each round, telling them ahead of time.

Learning goals

• Understand and use in, out, in front, behind and beside.
• Find their position using an object as a reference.
• Respond to a simple spoken cue.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hoops: 25

Teacher tip

Have all the children face the same way (toward you), because "in front" changes if everyone faces a different direction. At first, say the word and wait a second before you move: that shows you who really understood.

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