The Secret Move to Enter the Gym
Before entering the movement room, children learn a three-move secret code and perform it as they pass one at a time through a hoop door held by the teacher. It builds motor memory, waiting and a calm, orderly entrance.
How to play
- Sitting in the hallway, the teacher explains that the gym is a castle and you need today's secret code to get in (1 min).
- Teach three moves with a fun name, such as “clap, spin and frog,” and practice them together (1 min).
- The teacher holds a hoop in the doorway; each child does the code, steps through the hoop and sits in the circle inside (2 min).
- Children already inside do the code each time a new friend arrives, as a welcome (1 min).
- When everyone is in, do the code one last time very slowly and start class (1 min).
Rules
- Wait sitting in the hallway until you hear your name.
- Code first, then step through the hoop.
- Inside, walk to the circle, no running.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the code has two moves and the teacher does it with each child.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, three moves that each child does on their own.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, a child invents the code each day and adds a fourth move.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: lower the hoop or replace it with a ribbon across the doorway; the code uses arms and head.
- Autism: post the code as three picture cards on the door.
- Visual impairment: the teacher says the code out loud while doing it and guides the child's hand to the hoop.
Learning goals
- Remember and repeat a three-move sequence.
- Enter the room calmly and in order.
- Wait for a turn while staying focused.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Hula hoop: 1
Teacher tip
Keep the same code all week and change it on Monday; repetition gives security. Have another adult, or the first child in, wait inside so no one is alone in the room.
PatioLab has "The Secret Move to Enter the Gym" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More warm-ups for Elementary
«Ahora que Vamos Despacio»: The Silly-Fibs Stroll
We stroll very slowly singing the traditional Spanish song «Ahora que vamos despacio» («Now that we're going slowly, let's tell some fibs»), and on each «tralará» we…
«El Cocherito Leré»: The Hopping Carriage
We're carriages trotting around the yard, and on every «leré» in the traditional Spanish song «El cocherito leré» («the little coachman») we jump with feet together.
«Sal de Ahí, Chivita»: The Get-Out-Little-Goat Chain
The little goat won't leave the field, so in this traditional Spanish cumulative song we call the wolf, the dog, the stick, the fire, the water and the ox.
A Bandage Where I'm Tagged
Unos pocos niños pillan con un pañuelo en la mano; quien es tocado se pone una «tirita» con la mano justo donde le han tocado y sigue corriendo así, y al segundo toque…
A Walk Through the Pole Forest
We stand plastic poles upright in cones with holes and the playground becomes a forest of tall trees.
Achoo, Into Your Elbow!
Children move around like animals and when the teacher goes “Ah… ah… achoo!”, they stop and hide their face in their elbow as if sneezing or coughing.