The Shape Die Decides
A child rolls a giant die with shapes drawn on it and everyone runs to the matching giant chalk shape to run along its edge. They practice recognizing a shape in two different places and running along an outline.
How to play
- The teacher draws four huge chalk shapes on the playground: circle, square, triangle and star, and the die has the same shapes on its sides (1 min).
- We walk along the edge of each shape together: the circle is round with no corners, the square has four equal corners (2 min).
- A child rolls the die, we all look at the shape and run to the matching chalk shape to run along its edge (4 min).
- At each corner we do a move: jump, clap or freeze (3 min).
- If the smiley face comes up, everyone runs to the middle for a group hug; we finish by walking one very slow lap (2 min).
Rules
- Look at the die before you go.
- Everyone goes around the edge the same way.
- Each child rolls the die once.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only circles and squares repeated on the die, and we walk the edges.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, all four shapes and running.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the die shapes and floor shapes are in different colors: they must focus only on shape.
Adaptations
- Child who uses a wheelchair: big shapes with wide curves, and they can roll the die as often as they like.
- Child with low vision: a die with raised shapes and a buddy to guide them along the edge.
- Child who gets overwhelmed running in a group: walks just outside the edge.
Learning goals
- Recognize the same shape on two different objects.
- Follow the outline of a figure.
- Take turns rolling the die.
Equipment for a class of 25
- dado gigante de formas: 1
- tizas: 4
Teacher tip
Make a giant die from a cardboard box covered in paper. Draw an arrow showing which way to go so no one runs head-on.
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