Robots That Move One Part at a Time

Children are brand-new robots that can only move the part the teacher switches on: head, one arm, one leg, waist. They practice controlling each body segment while keeping the rest still.

How to play

1. Everyone stands stiff like switched-off robots; the teacher shows the imaginary button on the chest (1 min).
2. Switch on the head: yes, no and look side to side with robot sounds, the rest of the body still (1 min).
3. Switch on one arm, then the other: up, down, forward in short choppy moves (1 min).
4. Switch on one leg: step forward and back without moving the arms (1 min).
5. Switch on every part: robots walk around with robot steps and stop on a drum beat (1 min).
6. Switch off one part at a time until we're still, then sigh "fffff" like a robot powering down (1 min).

Rules

• Only the part that's switched on can move.
• Robots walk without bumping into other robots.
• When the drum sounds, the robot stops.
• Robot noises stay quiet.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: switch on head, shoulders, arms and hands from the wheelchair; the final walk is pushing the chair or with help.
• Hearing loss: the teacher touches the part being switched on on their own body in a big, clear way.
• Less coordination: the child can touch the moving part with a hand to help find it.

Learning goals

• Move one body part while keeping the others still.
• Recognize and name head, arms and legs.
• Adjust movement to a sound signal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

Exaggerate the stiffness yourself: when they see the teacher go rigid, they get it right away. Three-year-olds will often move all in one block; don't correct it, just celebrate whenever something stays still.

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