The Action Word Die

A child throws a giant die with action pictures on each side (jump, spin, slither, crawl, roll, tiptoe), and everyone does that action until the next roll. Children practice action words and a variety of movements while waiting for their turn to throw.

How to play

1. Seated, introduce the die: each side has a picture; say the six actions together (2 min).
2. The teacher rolls, and everyone does the action around the space while the teacher counts to ten (2 min).
3. Taking turns, a child rolls the die, says the action out loud and everyone does it (5 min).
4. Add a second die with colors: do the action toward the cone of that color (3 min).
5. Last roll in slow motion: do the action as slowly as possible (2 min).

Rules

• Only the child whose turn it is throws the die.
• I say the word before I move.
• When I slither or roll, I give others space.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they get their own turn to roll and an arm version of each action.
• Autism: line up the die pictures where they can see them to anticipate possible actions.
• Visual impairment: say the word with a sound cue, and a buddy guides the movement.

Learning goals

• Match a picture with its action word.
• Perform a variety of basic movement skills.
• Take turns rolling.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large foam die: 2
• Action picture cards: 6

Teacher tip

No giant die? A covered cardboard box works. Keep a list of who has rolled so everyone gets a turn over the week.

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