Magic Cards: Mountain, Tree or Cat
Children walk around the yard and, when the teacher holds up a colored card, they turn into the matching pose: blue mountain, green tree, orange cat. They link colors to poses and react calmly to a visual signal.
How to play
- In a circle, the teacher shows the three cards and the pose for each: blue is mountain, green is tree, orange is cat (2 min).
- Walk around the yard quietly, watching the teacher; when a card goes up, do its pose (2 min).
- Change the way we walk (on tiptoes, giant steps, slow motion) and keep watching for the cards (2 min).
- The teacher holds up two cards in a row and we do both poses in that order (2 min).
- A child plays teacher and holds up the cards for everyone (2 min).
Rules
- While I walk, I watch the teacher, not my feet.
- I do the pose for the color I see.
- There are no mistakes: if I mix up, I switch to the right pose.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only two colors (mountain and cat), and the teacher says the name while holding up the card.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, three colors without saying the name.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, add a fourth color (pink, butterfly) and two-card sequences.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: move however they can, with a seated version of each pose.
- Visual impairment: swap colors for sounds (drum, clap, soft whistle) introduced beforehand.
- Autism: wear a small card with the three colors and their poses to check.
Learning goals
- Match a color with a pose.
- React to a visual signal.
- Stay focused while moving.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cartulinas de colores: 3
Teacher tip
Hold the cards high and steady. At first give plenty of time in each pose; once they've got it, shorten the walk between cards.
PatioLab has "Magic Cards: Mountain, Tree or Cat" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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