Rock, Paper, Scissors: Can We Match?
In pairs, children play rock, paper, scissors with their whole bodies, but the goal isn't to win, it's to match: make the same shape as their partner without talking. It works on jumping into different body shapes, reading a partner and teamwork.
How to play
- Learn the three shapes: rock (crouched in a ball), paper (big star) and scissors (one leg forward, one back) (2 min).
- Jump three times in place saying "rock, paper, scissors" and on the fourth jump make a shape (2 min).
- In pairs, facing each other: if we match, high five; if not, go again (2 min).
- Silent clues: before jumping, look at each other and try to guess what your partner will do (2 min).
- Switch partners every time we match (2 min).
Rules
- No talking before the shape.
- If we match, we high five.
- We jump together, at the same beat.
Variations
Easier
For 4-year-olds, just two shapes (rock and star), playing with the teacher first.
Standard
For 5-year-olds, all three shapes in pairs.
Harder
For confident 5-year-olds, groups of three trying to all match.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: make the shapes with arms and hands (fist, open hand, scissor fingers).
- Hearing loss: mark the beat with three big visible claps.
- Autism: a steady partner and a card showing the three shapes.
Learning goals
- Jump and land in different body shapes.
- Watch a partner to anticipate their move.
- Enjoy a popular game without winning or losing.
Teacher tip
Practice the scissor legs a lot; that's the hardest one. Kids love discovering they can "read" each other by looking: give them a moment before each jump.
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