Treasure Under the Cones
Colored blocks are hidden under many of the cones spread around the playground, and children dash to lift cones looking for treasure in their color. They practice searching a space, remembering where things are and leaving treasure that isn't theirs.
How to play
- Before starting, the teacher hides a colored block under many of the cones spread around the playground; other cones stay empty (1 min).
- Each child gets a color (holding a matching block) and the teacher explains they can only take treasure of their color (1 min).
- Search: lift a cone and look; if the treasure isn't your color, cover it back up; if it's yours, carry it to your color's basket (4 min).
- Now we play helpers: if I find treasure of another color, I tell a friend of that color where it is (3 min).
- Count the treasure in each basket all together, and the teacher hides it again for a short round (2 min).
- Gather the cones together and stack them into towers (1 min).
Rules
- Lift the cone and put it back the way it was.
- Only take treasure of your color.
- Walk the treasure to the basket; don't throw it.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use a few nearby cones, everyone looks for any color and fills a single basket.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use four colors with a basket for each.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the teacher hides the treasure while they watch, and they must remember where theirs is before running.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: put some cones on benches or low tables so they can be lifted from a wheelchair.
- Visual impairment: use treasure of different shapes (cube, cylinder, triangle) to identify by touch.
- Autism: give a card showing their color and how many treasures to find, so they know when they're done.
Learning goals
- Explore the space in an organized way.
- Remember where objects are.
- Help classmates and respect what belongs to others.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Cones: 40
- Colored plastic blocks: 28
- Baskets: 4
Teacher tip
Blocks must be large, never pieces that fit in a mouth. Put out more cones than treasures so there's an element of surprise and not everyone finds one on the first try.
PatioLab has "Treasure Under the Cones" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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