One Cloth, a Thousand Characters

Each child uses a cloth to transform into different characters (a king's cape, a dancer's skirt, a turban, bird wings, a baby blanket…) and moves around the room as that character. It builds pretend play, creativity and body expression.

How to play

1. The teacher shows a single cloth and wears it four ways: as a cape, a skirt, a head scarf and wings (2 min).
2. Each child picks a cloth and tries it on in many ways, looking in the mirror if they like (3 min).
3. We walk around the room as whatever character we've become and greet the other characters (4 min).
4. On the drum beat, we move the cloth to a new spot and turn into a different character (3 min).
5. Final parade: each child walks through the middle as their favorite character while the others clap (2 min).

Rules

• The cloth never covers your nose or mouth.
• Nobody takes a cloth from a friend.
• Every character greets the others kindly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the cloth goes over the wheelchair as part of the costume (a carriage, a boat, a horse).
• Autism: the child may choose the same character every time and repeat it with confidence.
• Visual impairment: offer cloths with different textures and describe how the child is wearing it.

Learning goals

• Turn a simple object into pretend-play props.
• Express different characters and moods with the body.
• Make creative choices about their own character.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Colorful fabric pieces: 25
• Large mirror: 1

Teacher tip

Have cloths in different sizes, and no strings or tight knots around the neck. Quieter children often open up a lot with a cloth on, so give them time.

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