Run, Walk, Jump, Stop!

The teacher calls out movement words (run, walk, jump, stop) and children follow them around the playground, faster and faster. They learn action words and warm up through changes of pace.

How to play

1. In a circle, teach each word with its gesture: walk, run, jump, and stop (freeze with a hand out front) (1 min).
2. Practice walk and stop to a slow drumbeat (1 min).
3. Add run and jump; alternate the four commands calmly (2 min).
4. Add sit down (sit quickly) and stand up (get up fast) (1 min).
5. Give commands faster and faster with words only, no gestures (2 min).

Rules

• When I hear stop, I freeze like a statue.
• I look ahead when I run so I don't bump anyone.
• I listen to the word before I move.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: in a wheelchair, run means push fast, jump means arms up, and stop means brake.
• Hearing impairment: each command has a gesture or card the teacher keeps visible.
• Autism: warn ahead that it will get faster, and let a child keep walking if they prefer.

Learning goals

• Understand simple commands.
• React quickly to changes in movement.
• Warm up with running, jumping and stopping.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

Mark clear boundaries with cones or a line, since run sends kids far. For English-speaking classes, do it in Spanish (camina, corre, salta, para) for a second-language version.

More activities like this

More warm-ups for Elementary