We All Fit on the Island
Each time the music stops, the teacher takes away some newspaper sheets, and children have to help each other so everyone touches an island. At the end we tape all the sheets together into one giant island where the whole class fits.
How to play
- Spread sheets on the floor, one per child, and explain they are islands in the sea (1 min).
- Dance around the sea to the music; when it stops, everyone gets on an island (2 min).
- The teacher removes a few sheets: now we share. Help anyone looking for a spot: "Come here, you fit!" (4 min).
- Only a few islands are left: touching an island with a foot, a hand, or holding a friend who's on it counts (3 min).
- Together, tape the removed sheets into one giant island (2 min).
- The whole class sits together on the giant island and cheers because we all fit (2 min).
Rules
- Nobody stays in the water: if you see a friend without an island, call them over.
- No pushing on a shared island.
- Touching the island with any body part, or touching a friend on it, counts.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, remove only a few sheets each time and the teacher helps share the space.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, remove more sheets so groups of three or four share.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, only two or three islands are left at the end, and the group decides how to arrange everyone so they're all connected.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair is a fixed island; classmates can stand next to them touching their arm.
- Autism or dislike of touch: the child may touch the island with one foot without holding anyone, and always has a reserved corner.
- Hearing impairment: pair the music with a light (on and off) or the teacher's raised hand.
Learning goals
- Help classmates find a place.
- Find group solutions to a space problem.
- Experience a no-elimination game as a shared success.
Equipment for a class of 25
- newspaper sheets: 25
- masking tape: 1
- music
Teacher tip
Play on a non-slip floor. If someone pushes to get a spot, pause and ask the group, "How can we make room for Lucy?"
PatioLab has "We All Fit on the Island" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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