We're a Teapot, a Chair and a Bridge

Children turn into objects using their bodies, first alone, then in pairs and then in small groups: a teapot, scissors, a bridge, a table, a house. It builds body awareness, balance in held poses and teamwork to make shapes together.

How to play

1. The teacher names an object and makes it with their body for everyone to see: a teapot with one hand on the hip (the handle) and the other arm as the spout pouring tea (2 min).
2. Alone: everyone makes the teapot, a chair (sitting on an invisible chair), a lamp turning on (suddenly, arms up) and scissors (arms opening and closing) (3 min).
3. In pairs: a bridge (hands joined overhead) that another pair walks under, a table (both on hands and knees side by side) and a car (one in front with the steering wheel, one behind) (3 min).
4. Groups of four: a house with a roof, a moving train and a flower that opens (3 min).
5. The whole class together makes a big castle with tall towers and a gate the teacher walks through (1 min).

Rules

• I make the object with my whole body.
• I hold my shape until the teacher says “Done!”
• In a group, everyone adds a part.
• If my shape falls apart, I laugh and build it again.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: makes objects with arms and trunk, and in a group is the part that stays still (the chimney, the center of the flower).
• Visual impairment: the teacher describes the shape and gently places the child's arms; they can touch their classmates' shapes.
• Autism: in groups, give them one specific part and keep it the same for every object (“You're the roof”).

Learning goals

• Represent objects with different body positions.
• Hold a position for a few seconds.
• Build shapes by working together.

Teacher tip

Make the groups of four yourself and let them figure it out a bit before stepping in. Snap a photo of each group shape: seeing them on the board afterward is a big hit.

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