Run Your Lap When You Hear Your Name
Sitting in a circle, we chant a made-up rhyme with classmates' names, and when a child hears their own name, they jog one lap around the circle while everyone claps. It builds waiting for your turn, listening and warming up.
How to play
- Sitting in a circle, the teacher teaches the chant: 'Tra-la-lee, tra-la-loo, whose turn is it? It's you!' and says a name (1 min).
- The named child stands, jogs a lap around the outside of the circle and returns to their spot while everyone claps the beat (2 min).
- Now the teacher says two names and each runs in a different direction, waving as they pass (1 min).
- Change how the lap is done: little hops, tiptoes, galloping like a horse (1 min).
- To finish, 'It's the whole circle's turn!': everyone stands and walks a lap together holding hands (1 min).
Rules
- I stay seated until I hear my name.
- While a friend runs, I clap for them.
- I come back to my same spot in the circle.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher holds the runner's hand and calls one name at a time.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, call one or two names and change how they travel.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the child who returns calls the next name, trying to pick someone who hasn't gone yet.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child goes around inside the circle, which opens to let them through, or a buddy pushes the wheelchair.
- Autism: give a heads-up that their name is coming soon and let them choose to walk the lap.
- Hearing impairment: say the name while looking at and pointing to the child, or hold up their photo.
Learning goals
- Wait attentively for one's turn.
- Recognize one's own name as a cue to act.
- Warm up by jogging around the circle.
Teacher tip
Keep a list so everyone goes at least once; if time runs short, the final 'whole circle' lap covers it. Tell them up front that not everyone goes at once, but everyone will get a turn.
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