My Photo Is Waiting on the Wall
Children's photos are taped around the room at their eye level; each child finds theirs, says hello and comes back to the circle, then looks for a classmate's. It helps them feel part of the group, recognize themselves and learn about others while moving around the space.
How to play
- Sitting in a circle, the teacher shows their own photo and tapes it to the wall: "Here I am" (1 min).
- When the drum sounds, each child looks for their photo on the walls, touches it and says "Here I am!" (3 min).
- Come back to the circle walking however we like, and the teacher asks: "Where was your photo?" (1 min).
- The teacher names a child and everyone goes together to find that photo and says hi: "Hi, Mateo!" (3 min).
- Each child takes a classmate by the hand to their own photo and shows it off (3 min).
- Back in the circle, say all the names we can remember (1 min).
Rules
- We touch the photos, we don't pull them off.
- We walk around the room, no running.
- When the drum sounds, we come back to the circle.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, put the photos on just one wall, well spaced, and the teacher helps anyone who can't find theirs.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, spread the photos on all the walls and each child also looks for a friend's.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the teacher moves the photos between rounds and children look for two photos in a row.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: tape the photos at wheelchair height in clear areas.
- Visual impairment: put a different texture patch next to each photo for the child to recognize by touch.
- Autism: the child's photo is always in the same spot on the wall, near the door.
Learning goals
- Recognize themselves and their classmates.
- Find their way around the room using landmarks.
- Feel part of the new group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Children's photos: 25
- Tape: 1
- Hand drum: 1
Teacher tip
Laminate the photos and tape them at children's eye level. Do this in the first days: knowing each other's names helps them feel they belong.
PatioLab has "My Photo Is Waiting on the Wall" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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