Roll-a-Body-Part Statues
The teacher rolls a giant die with pictures of body parts and everyone invents a statue with that part touching the floor, on mats. Kids explore poses, points of support and simple balances, and learn which parts can hold their body up.
How to play
- Tape pictures of hand, foot, knee, bottom, tummy and back on the die faces. Spread mats around the gym.
- Everyone moves freely around the mats copying animals the teacher calls out (2 min).
- Clap: everyone sits on a mat. The teacher rolls the die and shows the face: "Knees! Make a statue with your knees on the floor."
- Kids invent their statue and hold it while the teacher slowly counts to five, then look around: "Look how different our statues are!"
- Repeat about 8 times, moving between rolls (10 min). From the fourth roll on, a different child rolls each time.
- Finish: the teacher rolls twice and kids make one statue with both parts, for example bottom and hands (3 min).
Rules
- Statues always happen on a mat.
- Never put body weight on your head.
- Stay in your own space and don't climb on anyone.
- Wait for "Go!" before you let go of the statue.
Variations
Easier
Big parts only (bottom, tummy, back) and lying or sitting statues.
Standard
Any face of the die, holding the statue for five seconds.
Harder
Combine two faces and make the statue with a partner.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child places the rolled part on a table or chair, or touches it with a hand.
- Shy kids or autism: they may copy the teacher's statue instead of inventing one.
- Different skill levels: some add just one extra support; skilled kids take away supports one at a time.
Learning goals
- Explore different poses on different body parts.
- Hold balance in simple poses.
- Identify which parts can hold the body up.
Equipment for a class of 25
- giant picture die: 1
- mats: 10
Teacher tip
Hold the die face up high and make the first statue yourself to give ideas. Praise creative statues out loud so others feel brave to invent.
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