Sparks in the Campfire
We are the flames of a pretend campfire: we start as tiny embers and, each time the teacher blows, we grow, dance and jump like sparks. The body warms up from low to high with jumps and arm movements.
How to play
- In a circle around a pretend campfire, we crouch down very small: we're embers that barely move (1 min).
- The teacher blows softly: the flames kneel up and wave their arms like fire (1 min).
- The teacher blows harder: we stand up and dance, swaying the whole body (1 min).
- The teacher blows really hard: sparks! We jump up with arms stretched high and spin around (1 min).
- The wood runs out: the flames sink little by little back into embers, and we sit down (1 min).
Rules
- Each flame dances in its own spot in the circle.
- We only jump when the teacher blows really hard.
- Sparks jump up, never push.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, just ember (crouched) and flame (standing and dancing), with slow changes.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, all four fire heights in order.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the teacher blows soft, hard or really hard in any order, and at the end a child plays the wind.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the flame grows with the arms from the chair, from the knees all the way up.
- Hearing impairment: the teacher's hand rises to the matching height while blowing.
- Autism: give a heads-up before the sparks so the sudden change isn't a surprise.
Learning goals
- Warm up gradually, from crouching to jumping.
- Coordinate arms and legs when jumping.
- Show the fire's strength through movement.
Teacher tip
Use it to remind them that real fire is never touched; this one is magic and pretend. Make your blowing big and visible, since it sets the pace.
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