Magic Words That Get Us Moving
The teacher is a friendly wizard who says made-up magic words, and each one starts a movement: “Abracadabra!” we jump, “Kaboom!” we touch the floor and pop up, “Zippity!” we spin, “Zoom!” we run to a new spot. It works on listening and quick reactions while warming up the body.
How to play
- The teacher puts on a pretend cape and teaches two words: “Abracadabra!” we jump and “Kaboom!” we touch the floor and pop up (1 min).
- We walk around the room and the wizard calls the words: we react and keep walking (1 min).
- Add “Zippity!”: spin around once (1 min).
- Add “Zoom!”: run quickly to another spot in the room and stop (1 min).
- The wizard mixes all four words faster and faster and ends with “Shhh!”: silent magic statues (1 min).
Rules
- Only move when you hear a magic word.
- Between words, walk calmly.
- When you run on “Zoom!”, find an open space without bumping.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only two words, with the wizard doing the moves too.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, four words mixed up.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the wizard sometimes says fake words (“Abraca-noodle!”) and nobody moves; then a child invents a word and its move.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: each word has an arm and trunk move, and “Zoom!” is turning the wheelchair or moving the arms fast.
- Hearing impairment: the wizard pairs each word with a different wand gesture.
- Autism: write or draw the words on cards and keep them visible.
Learning goals
- React to spoken directions.
- Combine jumps, spins and short runs.
- Hold still when there's no signal.
Teacher tip
Say the words dramatically with a wand gesture: the suspense keeps them focused. Fake words work great with 5-year-olds, but don't scold anyone who moves; laugh it off and keep going.
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