Partner Swap: Bump Elbows, Bump Feet
Children walk and jog around the room, and when the teacher claps they find a new partner and greet by bumping the body part the teacher names. It warms up the body, practices body part names, and mixes everyone up so kids play with lots of classmates.
How to play
- In a circle, the teacher demonstrates the greetings with one child: high five, elbow bump, foot bump, and knee bump, always gentle, as if we were made of glass (1 min).
- Everyone walks around; at the clap, each child finds the closest friend, they give a high five, and keep walking (1 min).
- Now we jog; at the clap, find a new partner and bump elbows. The rule is: no same partner twice (1 min).
- Tiptoe walk; at the clap, new partner and a foot bump while holding hands so nobody tips over (1 min).
- Free round: the teacher calls two parts (“Elbow and knee!”) and each new pair bumps both (1 min).
- Last greeting: partners say thank you with a bow and walk slowly back to the circle (1 min).
Rules
- I bump softly, like my friend is made of glass.
- I find a different friend each time.
- If I don't have a partner, I raise my hand and the teacher helps.
- I look where I'm going so I don't bump into anyone.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only high fives and foot bumps, and the teacher helps form pairs by pointing to who's nearby.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, all four greetings and the no-repeat-partner rule.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, two body parts at once, and each pair invents a new greeting to teach the group.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: classmates come to the child; a high five or elbow bump from the wheelchair works great.
- Autism: let the child choose a high five or a no-touch wave, and show the number of rounds on your fingers ahead of time.
- Hearing impairment: pair the clap with a big arm signal and point to the body part on your own body.
Learning goals
- Warm up with different ways of moving.
- Name and find body parts.
- Play with many different classmates using gentle touch.
Teacher tip
With an odd number, join in or make a group of three. Kids tend to run to their best friend every time; say out loud, “Did you already bump with them? Find someone new!”
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