The Scared Chick and Its Buddy
In pairs, one child is a scared chick hiding under its wing (a scarf) and the other is a buddy who helps it feel safe enough to explore the barnyard. It builds noticing fear in others and staying by their side.
How to play
- The teacher shows the scared chick: crouched down, covered by the scarf, trembling and peeping softly (2 min).
- Everyone is a scared chick; the teacher passes by, touches each back and says “I'm here,” and we peek out a little (2 min).
- In pairs: the buddy comes close, speaks softly, offers a hand and they walk around the barnyard together in tiny steps (3 min).
- The chick starts feeling brave: bigger steps, wing flaps and hops, always with the buddy alongside (2 min).
- Switch roles and repeat (2 min).
- All the chicks and buddies gather in the middle for one big happy flap (1 min).
Rules
- The buddy speaks softly and slowly.
- I don't pull off the chick's scarf: the chick comes out when ready.
- We walk together without letting go.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher is the buddy for all the chicks at once.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, work in pairs with the buddy choosing how to help.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the chick says what scares it (a noise, the dark) and the buddy thinks of a way to help.
Adaptations
- Autism: allow the chick to stay uncovered and the help to be words only.
- Visual impairment: the chick doesn't cover the face; the scarf goes over the back.
- Limited mobility: the chick hides under the scarf from the wheelchair and the walk happens beside the chair.
Learning goals
- Recognize fear in a classmate.
- Stay with and reassure someone else.
- Move from small to big movements.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Colored scarves: 13
Teacher tip
Stress that the chick decides when to come out: it's a valuable lesson in respect. If a child has real fears, don't use them as an example; talk privately.
PatioLab has "The Scared Chick and Its Buddy" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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