Up Goes the Scarf I Name

Each child holds two scarves in different colors and only raises the one the teacher names, keeping the other still. It builds attention to instructions, quick reactions and moving each hand separately.

How to play

1. Each child takes two scarves in different colors, one in each hand (1 min).
2. The teacher names a color and only that scarf goes up; the other stays down and still (2 min).
3. New commands: "both!" raises both, "none!" means freeze (2 min).
4. The named scarf flies: wave it in circles and walk around the room while the other stays against your leg (2 min).
5. Trade one scarf with a neighbor and keep playing with the new colors (2 min).
6. Fold the scarves slowly and put them in the basket (1 min).

Rules

• Only the color we hear goes up.
• The other scarf stays asleep.
• We trade scarves by handing them over.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: if the child uses one hand, they hold one scarf and raise it when their color is called.
• Visual impairment: use scarves with different textures (one smooth, one knotted) and the teacher says "the knotted one."
• Hearing impairment: the teacher also shows a card in the named color.

Learning goals

• Respond to a spoken color command.
• Move one hand while the other stays still.
• Keep attention through quick changes.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Colored scarves: 50
• Basket: 1

Teacher tip

Have the scarves paired up ahead of time so you can hand them out quickly. The typical mistake is raising both, so tell them "the sleeping one hides behind your leg."

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