Sardines in the Hiding Spot
It's hide-and-seek in reverse: one person hides, everyone looks, and whoever finds the hider squeezes in with them until everyone is packed like sardines in a can. Kids practice finding their way around, searching quietly and sharing a secret as a group.
How to play
- Seated, the teacher demonstrates with toys: one hides, the rest search, and whoever finds the hider quietly squeezes in too (2 min).
- Mark the area with cones; the teacher hides first while everyone counts to twenty with eyes covered (1 min).
- Search quietly; whoever finds the teacher squeezes in next to them and stays silent so the others don't find out (4 min).
- When the last child arrives, everyone shouts “Sardines in a can!” and comes out (1 min).
- Now a child or a pair hides and we play again, using a spot big enough for everyone (5 min).
- Talk about how it felt to be squeezed in and who found the hiding spot and how (2 min).
Rules
- If you find the hider, hide with them without saying a word.
- Search walking and quietly.
- In the hiding spot, squeeze in gently without pushing.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher always hides somewhere easy and kids search holding a partner's hand.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, a child hides with the teacher nearby.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, a pair hides, and kids who've found them can whisper clues to those still looking.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: choose an accessible first hiding spot; the child can be the first to hide.
- Autism: a child who doesn't like being squeezed stands at the edge, and is told beforehand that lots of kids will gather.
- Visual impairment: search with a partner who describes the way; the hider can hum very softly.
Learning goals
- Explore the space by searching carefully.
- Keep a secret and stay quiet as a group.
- Share a small space with care.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Cones: 10
Teacher tip
Pick a wide first hiding spot (behind a hedge, along a long wall) so everyone fits. Little ones love to shout “Found you!”, so practice the finger-on-lips signal first.
PatioLab has "Sardines in the Hiding Spot" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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