Initials Race
Initials race: students use their bodies or their running path to "write" letters (their initials, words) around the space.
How to play
- Each student thinks of their initials.
- They run the shape of the first letter around the playground.
- Then make the letter with their body on the floor.
- In small groups, form short words together.
Rules
- Watch out for others.
- Respect each group's work.
Variations
Easier
One letter.
Standard
Initials.
Harder
Group words.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: draw letters with arms.
- Reading difficulties: use shapes.
Learning goals
- Warm up creatively.
- Develop spatial awareness.
PatioLab has "Initials Race" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More warm-ups for Elementary
Active Blind Man's Bluff
Active "Blind Man's Bluff": a partner guides a blindfolded classmate by voice so they can tag the others.
Active Corners
Active corners: each corner of the area has an exercise; students run to the corner called and do that exercise.
Animal Races
Animal races: students move like different animals across the space — a fun way to warm up all major muscle groups.
Around the World
Around the world: each area of the playground is a continent and students travel between them doing different moves.
Balance Pose Challenge
Balance pose challenge: students hold balance poses alone, in pairs and in small groups, improving stability and body control.
Body Echo
Body echo: the teacher makes a sound or rhythm with the body (claps, stomps) and students repeat it like an echo.
