Sock Puppet Says Move
The teacher works a puppet made from an old sock, and every move it makes is a signal: when it opens its mouth fast, we jump; when it hides, we crouch. It builds quick reactions to visual cues and fast changes of position.
How to play
- The teacher introduces Socky, a puppet made from an old sock who has come to wake everyone up (1 min).
- When Socky opens and closes its mouth really fast, we jump; when it opens slowly, we march in place (1 min).
- When Socky hides behind the teacher's back, we crouch into a little ball; when it pops out, we jump up: "Here I am!" (1 min).
- Socky stretches to the ceiling: we go on tiptoe; it dips to the floor: we touch the floor; it spins: we turn around (1 min).
- Socky yawns: we all yawn and stretch really big (1 min).
Rules
- I keep my eyes on Socky.
- I move in my own spot without bumping.
- When Socky freezes, I freeze too.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use just two signals: fast mouth means jump, hiding means crouch.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use all the signals and mix them up.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, a child works the puppet and the group follows, then passes the sock to someone else.
Adaptations
- Hearing impairment: the game is visual; seat the child up front in good light.
- Visual impairment: the teacher says out loud what Socky is doing ("It's hiding!") and lets the child touch the puppet first.
- Limited mobility: respond from the wheelchair with arms, trunk and head, reaching up to stretch and hugging yourself to hide.
Learning goals
- Respond to visual cues with the body.
- Change positions: crouching, standing and on tiptoe.
- Get attention and bodies ready for the main activity.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Sock puppet: 1
Teacher tip
Use a big sock with eyes drawn on in marker, with no buttons or glued-on pieces. Hold the puppet above your head and exaggerate every move so the whole group can see it.
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