The Picture Clue Chain to the Treasure Chest
The class follows a chain of picture cards, each showing where the next clue is, until they reach a chest full of scarves. They practice reading spatial picture clues and finding their way around the playground.
How to play
- The teacher shows the first card: a drawing of the slide with an arrow underneath, and asks, "Where's the next clue?" (2 min).
- The whole class runs to the spot, finds the next card (say, behind the tree), and we look at it together before moving on (5 min).
- We follow the clue chain: inside the sandbox, on the bench, next to the fountain… and a different child reads each picture aloud (5 min).
- The last clue leads to the chest, full of colorful scarves; everyone takes one (2 min).
- We celebrate the treasure by dancing with the scarves up, down, and to the sides (2 min).
Rules
- We all go together; nobody runs ahead.
- The child whose turn it is reads the card.
- We leave the clue where it is so everyone can see it.
- Each of us takes one scarf from the chest.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use four clues close together, each a single object with an arrow.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use six clues across the whole playground.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, run two parallel chains in groups that end at the same chest.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: put the clues in accessible spots at wheelchair height.
- Visual impairment: describe each card out loud and place a sound-making object at each spot.
- Autism: show all the cards in order at the start, like a story.
Learning goals
- Interpret drawings with spatial directions.
- Find one's way around the playground using landmarks.
- Move as a group toward a shared goal.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Drawn clue cards: 6
- Decorated treasure box: 1
- Cloth scarves: 25
Teacher tip
Draw the object big with a very visible colored arrow (under, behind, inside). Set the clues out before recess and check nobody has moved them.
PatioLab has "The Picture Clue Chain to the Treasure Chest" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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