Shadow Monsters in the Sun

On a sunny day, students explore their shadows outside and then, in groups, join their shadows into monsters and fantasy creatures for the class to guess. Students practice body awareness in space, creativity and teamwork.

How to play

1. Go outside when the sun is low and have each student move until their shadow is in front of them; they make it tall, wide, small and twisted (3 min).
2. Shadow tag in pairs: one tries to step on the other's shadow for 30 seconds, then switch (3 min).
3. In groups of 3, join shadows to make a monster with three heads, six arms or a long tail (3 min).
4. Each group traces the outline of its monster in chalk on the blacktop while holding the shape (3 min).
5. Monster museum walk: everyone strolls past the drawings and each group names its monster (3 min).

Rules

• In shadow tag, walk fast; never run or push.
• Never look straight at the sun.
• Draw only inside the marked area of the blacktop.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the wheelchair's shadow becomes part of the monster and the student adds arms and head.
• Visual impairment: a partner guides the student's hands along the chalk outline so they can feel it.
• Fitness level: shrink the area for shadow tag to reduce effort.

Learning goals

• Notice how a shadow's shape changes with posture and position.
• Create original shapes by combining bodies.
• Work with a group to hold a shared shape.

Equipment for a class of 25

• chalk: 10

Teacher tip

Schedule this early or late in the day, when shadows are longest. Have students wear hats and give instructions in the shade of a tree.

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