Ten Steps, New Animal

Children walk around counting their steps out loud together, and when they reach ten they turn into a new animal. It practices reciting numbers while warming up with different ways of moving.

How to play

1. In a circle, the teacher counts from one to ten taking a step in place on each number, and everyone copies (1 min).
2. We walk around counting together, "one, two, three…", and on "ten!" we freeze like statues (1 min).
3. The teacher names an animal and the next ten steps are done that way: elephant stomps, bunny hops, duck waddles (2 min).
4. Now a child picks the animal for the next count of ten (1 min).
5. We finish with ten teeny-tiny ant steps, very slowly (1 min).

Rules

• We all count together, out loud.
• One number, one step.
• When we get to ten, freeze.

Variations

Adaptations

• Child using a wheelchair: counts wheel pushes or pats on the knees instead of steps.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing child: the teacher shows each number clearly with fingers.
• Autistic child: picture cards show the next animal so the change is predictable.

Learning goals

• Recite numbers from 1 to 10.
• Match each number to one step.
• Warm up with different ways of moving.

Teacher tip

Keep the beat slow: the usual mistake is numbers running ahead of feet. A clap on each number helps the youngest.

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