Many-Legged Monsters
In pairs or threes, children turn into monsters that have to walk with exactly the number of legs on the ground the teacher calls, holding each other up so nobody falls. It works on knowing how the body is supported, sharing balance and the fun of playing together.
How to play
- In pairs we're a four-legged monster: we walk together hand in hand on our four feet (2 min).
- Three-legged monster: one lifts a foot and the other holds them steady so they can move together (2 min).
- Six-legged monster: both put their feet and one hand on the ground and walk like that (2 min).
- Groups of three: a four-legged monster; they have to figure out which feet to lift and how to hold on (2 min).
- The monsters stroll around, meet each other and say hi with a friendly roar (2 min).
- The monsters get tired and lie down together to sleep, snoring (2 min).
Rules
- We hold each other so nobody falls.
- We count our legs before we walk.
- Monsters move slowly.
- We roar without yelling in anyone's ear.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only four-legged pair monsters and six-legged ones, with the teacher counting legs.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, three-, four- and six-legged pair monsters.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, groups of three, and five-legged or two-legged monsters the group figures out on its own.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: wheelchair wheels count as legs and their partner works out the combination with them.
- Autism: let them be a monster only with their trusted partner and skip loud roars.
- Hearing impairment: the teacher shows the number of legs on their fingers.
Learning goals
- Recognize the body parts touching the ground.
- Keep balance with a partner's help.
- Solve a small movement challenge together.
Teacher tip
Demonstrate each monster with a child before asking for it. One child often puts all their weight on the other, so remind them that holding on means a hand or a shoulder, not hanging.
PatioLab has "Many-Legged Monsters" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for Elementary
"Al Pasar la Barca" Parachute Rowing
Sitting around the parachute, children row by pulling the fabric toward them and letting it go toward the middle to the rhythm of the traditional Spanish song "Al pasar…
"Corro de la Patata" Parachute Circle
Children circle with the parachute while singing the traditional Spanish song "Al corro de la patata" (Potato Circle), and on "achupé, achupé" everyone sits down…
"El Patio de Mi Casa" Parachute Song
Children sing the traditional Spanish ring song "El patio de mi casa" while circling with the parachute and lowering it to the ground on "agáchate" (squat down).
"Que Llueva" Parachute Rain
Using the traditional Spanish children's song "Que llueva, que llueva" (Let It Rain), children make rain, clouds and sun with the parachute, and some hide underneath as…
«A la Zapatilla por Detrás»: The Slipper Behind Your Back
Sitting in a circle with eyes covered, one child walks around the outside with a slipper singing the traditional Spanish rhyme «A la zapatilla por detrás» («the…
«A Tapar la Calle»: The Chain That Blocks the Street
Half the class forms a hand-in-hand chain that walks forward singing the traditional Spanish song «A tapar la calle» («Block the street so nobody passes»), while the…