Penguins Shuffle to the Iceberg

Everyone moves like a penguin, with tiny steps and arms pressed to the body, including the seals chasing them; to be safe you have to reach an iceberg (a mat). It practices body control in a slow tag game, great for the youngest kids or small spaces.

How to play

1. The teacher shows how to walk like a penguin: feet together, tiny steps, arms tight, rocking side to side (1 min).
2. Penguins stroll on the ice and, when they hear “Seal!”, go to an iceberg; nobody chases yet (2 min).
3. Three seals with scarves chase, also with penguin steps; anyone tagged gives the seal a penguin hug and they swap the scarf (3 min).
4. Slide round: penguins may lie on their tummies and slide a little when reaching the iceberg (2 min).
5. All the penguins huddle on the icebergs to stay warm and rock together (2 min).

Rules

• I walk like a penguin: tiny steps, no running.
• On the iceberg I'm safe.
• If a seal tags me, we swap the scarf.
• Seals walk like penguins too.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child moves their own way, and their wheelchair counts as one more iceberg where others can shelter.
• Visual impairment: icebergs feel different underfoot than the floor, and a buddy walks alongside.
• Autism: penguin rocking can be calming; let the child do it on an iceberg whenever needed.

Learning goals

• Control speed by keeping steps short.
• Keep balance with arms pressed in.
• Switch roles when tagging or getting tagged.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Mats: 3
• Scarves: 3

Teacher tip

This works great in the classroom or on rainy days. Kids tend to break into a run: if someone runs, the teacher says “That penguin turned into an ostrich!” and they start again with tiny steps.

More main activities for Elementary