One, Two… Two and a Half!
Pirates wait at the edge until the teacher says "three!" to grab a treasure, but the teacher stretches out the count: "two and a half, two and a smidge…" It builds waiting for the exact signal and holding back the urge to go early.
How to play
- The teacher scatters the treasure balls in the middle and the children wait at the edge, sitting like pirates (1 min).
- Explain: we only go for a treasure when we hear "three!"; grab one and come back to the edge (1 min).
- Count with tricks: "one, two, two and a half, two and a smidge…" and on "three!" each pirate grabs a ball and returns (3 min).
- Return the treasures the same way: wait for "three!" to put the ball back in the middle (2 min).
- A child counts with tricks for the group, with the teacher's help (2 min).
- Celebrate with "great waiting!" and high-five a friend (1 min).
Rules
- We go only on "three!"
- Each pirate takes just one treasure; there's enough for everyone.
- If we go early, we laugh, go back to the edge and wait again.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use few, short tricks ("two… and a half… three!").
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use longer tricks and look-alike words like "tree!" or "thread!"
Harder
For 5-year-olds, on "three!" they go for the ball in a color the teacher names.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: place the treasure closer or have a buddy bring it after "three!"; their challenge is waiting for the signal to reach out.
- Hearing impairment: show three fingers with "three!" and keep fingers curled during tricks.
- Autism: mark the waiting spot with a hoop and explain that the tricks are just for fun.
Learning goals
- Wait for an exact signal before acting.
- Handle waiting and excitement.
- Move and stop to pick up an object.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Balls: 25
- Basket: 1
Teacher tip
Always have one ball per child plus extras so nobody rushes out of fear of missing out. Ham up the tricks: they love it and wait better.
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