Two-Body Letters

In pairs and then trios, children lie on the floor to make letters with their bodies by copying a card, and the teacher takes a pretend photo from above. They practice organizing their bodies in space and cooperating to make a shape.

How to play

1. The teacher and a child make an L on the floor: one lying straight, the other across the feet; the rest watch (2 min).
2. In pairs, copy L and T from the cards; the teacher stands on a chair and snaps an imaginary photo (3 min).
3. Try V and X: heads touch or bodies cross carefully (3 min).
4. In trios, make A, H and N, deciding who goes where (3 min).
5. One pair secretly makes a letter and the others guess it from above (3 min).

Rules

• I lie down carefully without stepping on anyone.
• We talk with our partner to decide where to lie.
• If the letter doesn't work, we try again without getting upset.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child who can't lie down is the photographer who checks the letter, or joins the letter seated.
• Autism: let them choose a partner or be the photographer if they'd rather avoid contact.
• Visual impairment: feel a raised letter on the card first, and have the partner guide them by the hand.

Learning goals

• Recognize simple capital letters.
• Organize their body in space to make a shape.
• Cooperate with others to create a shared shape.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Letter cards: 8
• Mats: 6

Teacher tip

A real tablet photo from a chair, shown right away, helps them see instantly whether the letter works. They tend to lie on their sides; remind them "tummy to the ceiling."

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