Our Group Shadow Monster

In groups of three or four, children press their bodies together so their shadows make one monster with lots of arms, legs or heads, then make it walk and roar. It works on body expression and cooperation.

How to play

1. The teacher and two children squeeze together and show their shadow: a six-armed monster! Everyone counts the arms on the ground (2 min).
2. In groups of three or four, stand close until your shadows look like a single creature with lots of legs (3 min).
3. The monster walks: move together in little steps without the shadow breaking into pieces (3 min).
4. The monster has a sound and a move: it roars, waves its arms or opens lots of mouths with its hands (3 min).
5. Each monster introduces itself and the others count its heads and arms in the shadow (3 min).
6. Say goodbye to the monster: everyone splits up and runs off with their own regular shadow (1 min).

Rules

• We build the monster together, no pushing.
• If someone doesn’t fit, find another shape.
• Look at the ground, never at the sun.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the wheelchair is the monster’s body and others add arms and heads around it.
• Autism: they can be part of the monster without contact, just standing close; offer them the role of “the tail.”
• Hearing loss: the roar also comes with a claw gesture so they can see it.

Learning goals

• Agree on how to create a shape.
• Express a character with the group’s bodies.
• Coordinate movement with others.

Teacher tip

Low morning sun gives long shadows that look great. Some kids get nervous at the word monster: call it “a friendly monster” and model it first in a silly voice.

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