The Toothbrush Goes Through the Giant Mouth
Half the class forms a giant mouth with two rows of crouching teeth and the other half is the toothbrush, zigzagging between the teeth singing the toothbrush chant while the teeth give gentle finger tickles. It works on zigzag movement, rhythm and cooperative play.
How to play
- The teacher explains we’ll build an enormous mouth and brush it tooth by tooth (1 min).
- Half the class lines up in two facing rows, crouched like teeth with space between each one; the rest form the toothbrush in single file (2 min).
- The toothbrush enters at one end and zigzags between the teeth chanting “up and down, round and round”; each tooth wiggles its fingers like bristles as the brush goes by (3 min).
- Switch: the teeth stand up and become the toothbrush, and the toothbrush crouches down to be teeth (3 min).
- Rinse: the mouth opens (the rows step apart), everyone pretends to gargle and flashes a shiny smile (2 min).
- Each tooth says the name of the friend across from them and they shake hands (1 min).
Rules
- The toothbrush passes without stepping on or pushing the teeth.
- Tooth tickles are gentle, with fingertips.
- Wait in the toothbrush line until the one in front moves on.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use one row of teeth and have the brush walk past everyone without zigzagging.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use two rows and zigzag while chanting.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, teeth change positions: some crouch, others stand with legs apart so the brush crawls underneath.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child can be a seated tooth or the brush in a wheelchair along a wider path.
- Autism: if the child doesn’t like tickles, the tooth just wiggles fingers in the air as the brush goes by.
- Visual impairment: the brush holds on to the shoulders of the classmate in front.
Learning goals
- Zigzag between classmates with control.
- Coordinate chant and movement as a group.
- Link the game to brushing teeth.
Teacher tip
Space the teeth out well so the zigzag is comfortable: about one long adult step apart. If the brush speeds up, remind them that teeth get brushed gently.
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