The Shark and the Colored Islands
Fish swim around the sea, and when the shark calls a color they race to shelter on an island of that color before getting tagged. It practices running with changes of direction, recognizing colors and choosing the closest island.
How to play
- The teacher spreads islands in four colors around the playground (two of each) and we review the colors by pointing (1 min).
- Fish swim with their arms; the shark (the teacher) calls “Red island!” and everyone goes to any red island, no tagging yet (2 min).
- Now the shark chases after calling a color; a tagged fish becomes a baby shark, hands together as a fin on their head, and helps for one round (4 min).
- The shark calls two colors at once and each fish chooses where to go (3 min).
- “All the islands!”: each fish goes to any island and makes room for others (3 min).
- Calm tide: fish swim slowly between the islands, moving their arms like slow fins (1 min).
Rules
- I go to an island of the color the shark calls.
- On the right color island I'm safe.
- Lots of us fit on an island: we make room.
- If I'm tagged, I'm a baby shark for one round and then a fish again.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only two colors, the teacher holds up a hoop of the color when calling it, and nobody gets tagged.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, four colors and baby shark helpers.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the shark calls colors of things (“The color of the sky!”, “The color of bananas!”) and fish figure it out on the run.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: one island of each color sits near the child, or a buddy brings over a hoop of the called color.
- Visual impairment: islands with different sounds or textures (bumpy, soft) instead of colors, or a buddy guide.
- Color blindness: add a shape (circle, star) to each hoop so the island can be found without relying on color.
Learning goals
- Recognize colors during play.
- Choose the nearest island of the right color.
- Share the safe spot with classmates.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large colored hoops: 8
- Hand drum
Teacher tip
Use large hoops or two hoops together per island so many kids fit. Kids often head for the island where their friend is: encourage them to find the closest one.
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