Lizards Hide Under the Rocks

Lizards sunbathe and, when a cloud comes, belly-crawl to hide under a piece of fabric (a rock). Children practice belly crawling with arms and legs and choose which rock to head for.

How to play

1. We show how a lizard crawls: belly on the floor, elbow and knee on the same side move forward (2 min).
2. We spread fabric pieces around the room: they're big rocks (1 min).
3. The lizards lie in the sun; when the teacher says "Cloud!", they crawl under a rock (3 min).
4. On "Sun!", they crawl out and pick a different rock for the next cloud (3 min).
5. Two kids hold a fabric up high as a passing cloud; the lizards crawl underneath to another rock (2 min).
6. The lizards stay in the sun, still and warm (1 min).

Rules

• Lizards keep their bellies on the floor.
• Lots of lizards fit under each rock.
• I hide all of me: head, belly, and tail.
• I don't step on other lizards' tails.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child may lie on a wedge mat and be covered with fabric when the cloud comes.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: hold up gray fabric for the cloud and yellow fabric for the sun.
• Less coordination: they may crawl on hands and knees and lie down only at the rock.

Learning goals

• Belly-crawl coordinating arms and legs.
• Choose a destination and a path.
• React quickly to a signal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large fabric pieces: 5

Teacher tip

Use thin, breathable fabric, and heads can always peek out. Outdoors, set the fabric on grass or mats to avoid scrapes.

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