Run to the Corner That Sounds
Each corner of the playground has a picture of an instrument; the teacher, hidden behind a sheet, plays one and everyone runs to that instrument's corner. Children practice recognizing each instrument's sound and moving quickly toward a place.
How to play
- Tape a big card in each corner: hand drum, maracas, triangle, and rhythm sticks. Visit each corner together while the teacher plays its instrument there (2 min).
- The teacher stands behind a hanging sheet or one held by another adult; children in the middle listen without seeing (1 min).
- An instrument plays: everyone walks to its corner. The teacher then holds it up over the sheet so we can check (3 min).
- Now we run, and change how we get there: hopping, crab walking, tiptoeing (4 min).
- Crazy corner: if two instruments play in a row, go to the first corner and then the second (3 min).
- Walk back to the middle, sit down, listen to all four instruments played softly, and say which one you like best (1 min).
Rules
- We listen in the middle without peeking behind the sheet.
- Run without pushing: there's room for everyone in the corner.
- If you pick the wrong one, no problem: just head to the right corner.
Variations
Easier
Age 3: just two corners (hand drum and maracas), walking.
Standard
Age 4: all four corners and different ways of moving.
Harder
Age 5: add the two-instruments crazy corner, and a child becomes the hidden musician.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: their corner is closer, or a classmate pushes the wheelchair; they can also be the musician.
- Hearing impairment: a buddy next to them holds up a matching card, or use instruments with strong vibration like the hand drum tapped on the floor.
- Visual impairment: each corner also has the real instrument to touch on arrival, and a classmate walks with them hand in hand.
Learning goals
- Tell apart the sounds of several instruments.
- Move quickly to a place signaled by a sound.
- Try different ways of moving.
Equipment for a class of 25
- pandero: 1
- maracas: 1
- triángulo: 1
- claves: 1
- tarjetas de instrumentos: 4
- sábana: 1
Teacher tip
Before the game, let every child play all four instruments; they recognize them much better after holding them. Rhythm sticks and the triangle sometimes get mixed up, so play them back to back to compare.
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