Run to Red! Colors on the Move
Hoops of four colors are scattered around the playground, and the teacher calls which color to go to and how ("Run to red!" "Jump to yellow!"); there's always room in some hoop. Children practice color words and moving with changes of direction.
How to play
- In a circle, hold up four hoops and name their colors: red, blue, yellow, green; repeat while pointing (2 min).
- "Walk to blue!": walk to a blue hoop and step in; repeat with all four colors (2 min).
- Now running: "Run to red!" "Run to green!" (3 min).
- Change how we go: "Jump to yellow," "Tiptoe to blue" (3 min).
- A child becomes the leader and calls the command for the group (2 min).
Rules
- Lots of friends fit in a hoop: nobody is left out.
- I watch where I run so I don't bump anyone.
- I wait to hear the color before I go.
Variations
Easier
Age 3: only red and blue, walking, with the teacher pointing to the hoop.
Standard
Age 4: four colors and different ways to move.
Harder
Age 5: add orange and purple and two-step commands ("Touch red, then run to green").
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: place large hoops in easy-to-reach spots and pair the child with a buddy.
- Hearing impairment: raise a scarf of the color as you say it.
- Autism: let them know several children will share each hoop.
Learning goals
- Recognize basic color words.
- Move in different ways while changing direction.
- Choose a hoop based on open space.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Colored hoops: 12
Teacher tip
Use plenty of hoops of each color, spread out, so kids don't pile into one. For Spanish practice, call colors in Spanish: corre al rojo, salta al amarillo.
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