The Cardboard Microphone

In a circle, only the child holding the cardboard microphone suggests a movement; everyone else copies it and waits their turn. It builds waiting, listening to a classmate and sharing movement ideas.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle, the teacher introduces the magic microphone: only whoever holds it suggests a move; everyone else watches and waits (1 min).
2. The teacher models it: says "Like a cat!", does a cat stretch, and everyone copies (1 min).
3. The microphone passes to the right: each child suggests a move and the circle copies; anyone who doesn't want to talk can just do the motion or say "pass" (6 min).
4. Second round standing up around the room: the child with the microphone says how we move and calls "stop!" to freeze everyone (3 min).
5. Give the microphone back to the teacher and all do our favorite move together (1 min).

Rules

• Only the person with the microphone talks.
• We copy a friend's idea without laughing at it.
• We hand the microphone over; no throwing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child suggests arm, head and face moves that the whole circle does sitting down.
• Hearing impairment: the microphone holder shows the move big first, then says it.
• Autism: the child can pass without talking or pick from a picture board of moves.

Learning goals

• Respect turns for talking and moving.
• Suggest and copy movements.
• Keep attention on the classmate who leads.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cardboard tube: 1

Teacher tip

A paper towel tube wrapped in foil works great. The typical problem is everyone talking at once, so bring their eyes back to the mic: "Who has it?"

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