Painted Rocks Hide in the Garden
The big rocks the class painted a few days earlier are hidden among the plants, soil and corners of the school garden, and children search for them without pulling up or stepping on anything. They explore nature carefully, crouching, reaching and carrying weight with both hands.
How to play
- While the class waits inside, the teacher hides the rocks among plants, beside tree trunks and in the soil, always visible from some angle (1 min).
- In a circle in the garden, go over the forest rules: we don't pull up or step on plants, and rocks are carried with two hands (2 min).
- In four groups, each with a basket, search for rocks walking slowly, crouching and peeking between the leaves (4 min).
- Carry each rock you find with both hands to your group's basket and look at the picture painted on it (2 min).
- Two groups hide the rocks for the other two, then they switch (4 min).
- Set the rocks in a circle on the ground and sit around it breathing in the smells of the garden (1 min).
Rules
- I pick up rocks with two hands and never throw them.
- I don't pull up plants or step on flowers.
- I hide the rock so a little bit shows.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use a small area with ten rocks in plain sight, and the teacher searches with the group.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, hide twenty rocks around the whole garden.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the hider gives a nature clue: “It's next to something prickly” or “under something green.”
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: hide some rocks in raised planters or along the edge of the path, within wheelchair reach.
- Visual impairment: tie a fabric ribbon on each rock that peeks out, and the child searches by touch with a buddy alongside.
- Autism or sensory sensitivity: the child may wear gardening gloves if they don't like touching soil.
Learning goals
- Explore the natural environment respectfully.
- Crouch, reach and carry weight with control.
- Work as a group to find and hide.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large painted rocks: 20
- Baskets: 4
Teacher tip
Use rocks the size of an adult's hand, never small ones, and check the garden first for prickly plants or animal droppings. Kids tend to toss rocks into the basket; everything is carried walking, with two hands.
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