Stickers That Stick Next To…
Children are stickers that stick to furniture and spots around the classroom in the position the teacher calls out. It's a gentle warm-up that teaches in front of, behind, under, and next to using real objects.
How to play
- The teacher explains that we're all walking stickers that move around the room and stick to a spot when they hear the call (1 min).
- We walk around unstuck; the teacher says "Stickers next to the door!" and everyone goes and freezes beside it (2 min).
- We keep going with other places and positions: in front of the board, behind a chair, under the window, next to the shelf (2 min).
- Sticker pairs: with a partner, we stick back to back or one in front of the other, as the teacher calls (1 min).
- The teacher unsticks everyone with a big blow, and we walk slowly to the rug (1 min).
Rules
- Stickers walk; they don't run in the classroom.
- I stick without pushing another sticker.
- Once I'm stuck, I stay still.
- If there's no room, I stick a little farther away.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use only "next to" and very familiar objects (door, window, rug), with the teacher leading.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, add in front of, behind, and under.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, give double positions: "next to the door with one hand on top of your head."
Adaptations
- Autism: show a photo of each spot in the room as you say the call.
- Visual impairment: a buddy holds hands and describes where they're stuck.
- Limited mobility: keep a clear route and let the child stick by bringing the wheelchair alongside.
Learning goals
- Use in front of, behind, under, and next to with classroom objects.
- Move around the room with control.
- Warm up the body gently.
Teacher tip
Move chairs and backpacks out of the way first to leave wide aisles. Give the call and wait a beat before saying "Go!" so they hear the whole position.
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