The Lost Teddy's Changing Footprints
Tobias, the class teddy bear, is lost and has left a trail of changing footprints: walking feet, hands and feet for crawling, side-by-side prints for jumping and giant steps. Children follow three different trails, adapting how they move to each print until they find him.
How to play
- Before going out, the teacher tapes three footprint trails on the ground from three different starting points, all ending at Tobias's hiding place (1 min).
- In a circle, explain that Tobias is lost and show the four kinds of prints and how to move on each; everyone tries them (3 min).
- In three groups, each starts from its own point and follows its trail, changing movement whenever the prints change (4 min).
- When the group finds Tobias, they greet him quietly so he isn't scared and walk back to their start alongside the trail (2 min).
- Groups switch trails and follow them again, faster or slower as the teacher says (4 min).
- Everyone carries Tobias back to class in a parade, walking with big bear steps (1 min).
Rules
- I step on the prints or right beside them, without skipping any.
- When the print changes, I change how I move.
- I leave space for the friend in front of me.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, one short trail for everyone with two kinds of prints (walk and jump), led by the teacher.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, three trails with all four kinds of prints.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, add one-foot prints (hopping) and backward prints that mean walking in reverse.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child's trail skips the crawling stretches, and each print has an arm-gesture alternative.
- Visual impairment: use raised rubber or felt prints, and a buddy calls out each change.
- Autism: show a photo of Tobias and a map of the trail beforehand, so the child knows he's always at the end.
Learning goals
- Adapt movement to a cue on the ground.
- Link different movements without stopping.
- Follow a trail attentively all the way.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Cardstock footprints: 45
- Large stuffed animal: 1
- Tape: 1
Teacher tip
Tape the prints all around the edges with wide tape so they don't lift or slip; on wet ground, draw them with chalk instead. Kids skip prints to get there first, so tell them “Tobias only shows up for those who step on every one.”
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