The Sun Hides Behind the Cloud
When the teacher holds up the yellow hoop, the sun is out and kids play, stretch and jump; when the cloud covers the sun, they curl up and shiver. Children work on visual attention and switching from active to calm.
How to play
- We show the sun (yellow hoop) and the cloud (sheet): with sun we stretch up, with cloud we shrink down (1 min).
- The sun is out: we walk and wave to friends, reaching our arms up to the sky (1 min).
- The cloud covers the sun: it's chilly, we hug ourselves and walk low, shivering (1 min).
- The sun pops in and out faster: we jump for joy with sun and curl into a ball with cloud (2 min).
- The cloud floats far away: everyone lies on their back and soaks up the sun for a bit (1 min).
Rules
- I watch the teacher to see sun or cloud.
- Sun means stretch and move; cloud means shrink.
- I curl up in my own spot without pushing.
- When the cloud leaves, I lie down calmly.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher calls out "Sun!" or "Cloud!" with the picture and models the moves.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, pictures only, switching at a medium pace.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, add a half sun (hoop half covered): walk in a squat, half stretched and half curled.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: opens arms and lifts face for sun, hugs self in the wheelchair for cloud.
- Visual impairment: the teacher says "Sun!" or "Cloud!" and a buddy taps their shoulder.
- Higher skill: a child moves the cloud while the teacher plays with the group.
Learning goals
- React to a visual signal with an agreed movement.
- Alternate whole-body stretching and curling.
- Go from moving to stillness with control.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large gray or white sheet: 1
- Yellow hoop: 1
Teacher tip
Move the sheet slowly like a real cloud; whipping it across can startle the little ones. Let a child be the cloud in the last round, they see it as a real treat.
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