Tickle Monster Freeze Dance
While the music plays, the tickle monster chases the group, and kids take shelter on mat "beds." When the music stops, the monster falls asleep and the kids tickle the monster instead. Kids practice moving through space and handling big feelings.
How to play
- Spread 4 or 5 mats around the gym: they are the beds. Introduce yourself as the tickle monster with a silly voice and claw hands.
- Demonstrate: while music plays, the monster walks slowly looking for someone to tickle. Nobody can be caught on a bed, but you can only stay on a bed for a count of 5.
- If the monster catches someone, it gives a gentle 3-second tickle on the hand or tummy and lets go. Nobody is out.
- When the music stops, the monster falls asleep like a statue. Everyone tiptoes over to tickle the monster's back. When the music starts again, the monster wakes up and everyone runs (6 short rounds, 7 minutes).
- From the third round on, two or three kids put on "claws" and become monsters with you.
- Finish by turning the music off for good: the monsters fall asleep and everyone lies on the beds to rest (1 minute).
Rules
- The monster walks, never runs.
- Tickles are gentle and short, only on hands, arms, or tummy.
- If someone says "Stop!", stop right away.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, you are the only monster and there is no time limit on the beds.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, count to 5 on the beds and the monster sleeps when the music stops.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, remove one bed each round and kids play monster in pairs, holding hands.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child's wheelchair is a permanent bed, or they can be a monster who tickles kids passing by.
- Autism or touch sensitivity: swap tickles for a high five; agree on it with the child beforehand.
- More skilled kids move on all fours; less skilled kids get their own bed close by.
Learning goals
- Move through space finding safe spots and avoiding the chaser.
- Enjoy a playful scare and manage the excitement.
- Respect the stop signals from the music and from classmates.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 5
- music: 1
Teacher tip
Some kids do not like being tickled: ask first and always offer a high five instead. Use upbeat music with pauses that are easy for you to control.
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