The Rusty Robot

Children are robots that slowly rust: one joint at a time gets stiff (elbows, knees, neck...) and they have to move without bending it until the teacher oils them. It helps kids discover their joints and what they're for.

How to play

1. Seated, the teacher shows the robot's hinges: we touch and bend the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles (2 min).
2. To the drumbeat, robots walk around; the teacher calls "Your knees are rusty!" and everyone keeps walking with stiff legs (3 min).
3. The teacher comes by with the oil can (the bottle) and goes "psst, psst" on the knees: now they bend again (1 min).
4. Other joints rust: elbows (how do we scratch our nose now?), neck, ankles; try picking something up or sitting down like that (4 min).
5. Two rust at once, then the whole robot: walk stiffly until the teacher oils everyone, then dance with every hinge (2 min).
6. Seated, we talk: What was hardest? What are knees and elbows for? (2 min).

Rules

• A rusty part doesn't bend until it's oiled.
• Robots walk slowly and don't bump.
• The oil can belongs to the teacher; we wait our turn to be oiled.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: only arm and neck joints rust, and challenges are done seated.
• Hearing impairment: use cards with a drawing of the rusty joint.
• Weaker balance: with rusty knees or ankles, walk near the wall or holding a classmate's hand.

Learning goals

• Identify and name the main joints.
• Discover what each joint does when we move.
• Adapt movement when a part can't bend.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hand drum: 1
• Empty plastic bottle: 1

Teacher tip

With rusty knees, kids tend to rush and tip over, so insist on "robot steps." The closing question is the best part; let them explain what bending is for.

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