Sparks That Join Into Stars
Children are sparks zigzagging around and, on the signal, join in groups of five to make a star that spins, then opens up and shines. It warms up the body and practices joining a group quickly and gently.
How to play
- We're sparks zigzagging around the playground going "tsss" (1 min).
- On "Star!", get into groups of five and stack right hands in the middle, one on top of the other (1 min).
- The star walks around without letting go; then switch to left hands and turn the other way (1 min).
- On "Shine!", let go, take a step back and spread arms and legs wide like star points (1 min).
- Become sparks again and repeat, joining different friends each time (2 min).
Rules
- I put my hand on top without squishing.
- If my star is full, I go to another one.
- When I shine, I freeze like a star.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, one big star with the whole class and the teacher in the middle.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, stars of five, with the teacher helping to sort groups.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the teacher calls the number of points (three, four or five) and they make a star with that many kids.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child's wheelchair is the center of a star and friends place their hands on top of theirs.
- Visual impairment: a buddy guides the child to the center of the star.
- More skilled children: they're in charge of making sure no star is left too small.
Learning goals
- Run while changing direction.
- Join a group to make a shape.
- Go from moving to stillness.
Teacher tip
Show first how hands stack in the middle, one on top of another, with no pressing. If a child is left over, they join the smallest star: what matters is that nobody is left out.
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