The Tiny Playground Drawn on the Ground
A chalk map of the playground drawn on the ground sends children to real places when a stone is set on a picture. They practice linking a map to outdoor space, with plenty of running.
How to play
- In one corner of the playground, the teacher uses chalk to draw a tiny playground: the tree, the sandbox, the water fountain, the gate, and the benches, with simple pictures (3 min).
- Standing around the drawing, the teacher puts the stone on the drawn tree, and everyone runs to touch the real tree (4 min).
- We keep moving the stone to other spots on the drawing and add how to stand: "next to the fountain," "behind the bench" (4 min).
- Taking turns, one child places the stone anywhere and the others go to the real spot (3 min).
- We return to the drawing and each child stands on the drawn spot they like most (1 min).
Rules
- I check where the stone is before I go.
- I don't step on the drawing until the end, or it'll rub off.
- I run looking where I'm going.
- When I get there, I touch the spot and come back to the drawing.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use just three clear spots very close to the drawing, and the teacher names them out loud.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use five spots plus a position (next to, behind).
Harder
For 5-year-olds, use two stones at once: "first here, then here."
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: pick accessible spots, and the child can go with a partner pushing the wheelchair.
- Visual impairment: a buddy describes the route, and a cone with a bell marks the real spot.
- Autism: walk to all the real spots before starting so the child knows them.
Learning goals
- Connect a drawn map with places on the playground.
- Move safely around an outdoor space.
- Position oneself relative to fixed features.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Sidewalk chalk: 6
- Large painted stone: 1
Teacher tip
Draw the map facing the same direction as the real playground (what's on the right goes on the right). Check the spots are safe ahead of time: never send them toward a street gate that isn't closed.
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