We Vote With Our Feet

The teacher offers two movement games shown on picture cards and children vote by standing on the side they prefer; we play the one with more votes and sometimes the other one too. It builds group decision-making, accepting the result and playing a variety of games.

How to play

1. Lay two big hoops on the floor, one on each side, with a picture card in each: for example, 'statues' and 'jumping frogs.' The teacher explains both games (2 min).
2. Vote with your feet: each child walks to the hoop of the game they prefer and stays there. Count out loud how many are on each side (1 min).
3. Everyone plays the winning game, including those who voted for the other (3 min).
4. New vote with two other cards (for example, 'horses' and 'airplanes') and play the winner (3 min).
5. As a gift for the side that lost, the teacher gives one minute to the game that lost the first vote and we all play it (2 min).
6. Sit down and ask: 'What do we do when what I wanted doesn't win?' (1 min).

Rules

• I vote by going to the hoop for the game I like best.
• We play what most people choose, and everyone plays.
• If my choice doesn't win, I still play happily.
• We don't push anyone to switch sides.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they can vote by pointing at the card, or a buddy goes with them to the hoop.
• Autism: cards show each game with a clear picture, and every game lasts the same time.
• Visual impairment: the hoops have different sounds (drum and bell) and the teacher describes each game.

Learning goals

• Make a simple group decision.
• Accept the result of a vote.
• Practice a variety of movement games.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Game picture cards: 6
• Large hoops: 2

Teacher tip

Choose short games they already know so voting isn't slowed down by explanations. In a tie, flip a coin or play both: they learn there are fair ways to settle it.

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