CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT

EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

Abigail Compton
Indiana University
Bloomington
Fall 2018

Physical Education and

Physical Activities for
Classroom Teachers
Grades 2-3
Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

Dear Second and Third Grade Teachers at Clear Creek,

Hello! My name is Abigail Compton and I am a senior at Indiana
University. When I graduate, I hope to move back to my hometown in
southern Indiana and teach second grade. I am one of four children and I’d
like to be closer to family. In my spare time I enjoy reading and spending
time with my nieces and nephews. Although I don’t have much spare time with
all of my classes, I love to spend as much time outside as possible! As part of
one of my class projects, I was asked to create a resource that I could use
when I start teaching and I am also sharing that resource with you.
The project is all about designing movement lesson ideas for students.
In this class we have learned about how children’s health affects their quality
of life, life expectancy, and academic performance. For example, did you
know that students who are more fit miss fewer days and score better on
tests? Another thing I learned this semester was that children who are
overweight at the age of ten are very likely to be overweight adults. It is
also good to know that when schools add activity time the worst thing that
happens is that there is no change in academic scores but behavior almost
always improves.
I have created five physical education lesson ideas, five physical
activity lessons, and ten brain energizer ideas for you to use in your
classroom. Each of my lessons use little to no equipment and involve simple
movements that will be easy to teach. I think my future students will like
them and I hope your students will too.
Thank you for letting me share my ideas with you. I hope you have a
good rest of the school year.
Sincerely,
Abigail Compton

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

Table of Contents
Physical Education Activities
1. “Waspital”
2. Going Bananas
3. Mario Chain Chomps
4. Frog Pond
5. Doctor Dodgeball
Physical Activities for Limited Space
1. Plank Races
2. Rock Paper Scissors Tag
3. Crab Attack!
4. Ships and Sailors
5. Mouse Trap
Classroom Brain Energizers
1. Line Up!
2. Mingle, Mingle, Math
3. 5-4-3-2-1
4. Silent Yoga
5. Rainstorm
6. Human Knot
7. Thumb Wrestle Train
8. Mine Yourself
9. Seat Swap
10. Zero In

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
LESSON PLANS

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

ACTIVITY TITLE: “Waspital” TEACHER: Abigail Compton

TYPE: Physical Education Game
TARGET AUDIENCE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT:
- 5 cones
- 2 noodles
- Activity cards
OBJECTIVES: https://www.shapeamerica.org/standards/pe/upload/Grade-Level-
Outcomes-for-K-12-Physical-Education.pdf
Psychomotor:
 Runs with a mature pattern. (S1.E2.2a)
 Skips using a mature pattern. (S1.E1.2)

Cognitive:
 Understands actions of wasps
 Applies simple strategies and tactics in chasing activities. (S2.E5.3a)

Affective:
 Recognizes the role of rules and etiquette in teacher-designed physical activities.
(S4.E5.2)
 Recognizes the role of rules and etiquette in physical activity with peers.
(S4.E5.3)
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Students will stand in “ready” position by putting their
hands on their knees and face their body towards me.

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
ACTIVITY SET UP:
= boundaries = boundaries for ‘waspital’ = placement of activity
cards

INSTRUCTIONS:
 Object: The object of the game is to avoid being ‘stung’ (tagged) by the wasps
(taggers).
 Organization of equipment and students:
o Cones will be set up on the perimeter of the game
o Students will begin within the orange cones
o Two volunteers will be chosen to be the ‘wasps’. They will each be given a
noodle to use as their ‘stingers’.
 Anticipatory Set:
o I hear that you all are learning about the differences in insects
o Who can tell me one characteristic of a wasp?
 I’ll be looking for “they sting”
o Today we are going to play a game called “waspital”
 Directions:
o We will have 2 wasps who will be our taggers for this game.
o The goal of this game is to avoid being stung by our wasps!
o If you get tagged, put a ‘band-aid’ (your hand) on where your got stung.

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
o Teacher will demonstrate by having one student ‘sting’ with a pool noodle.
She will place her hand over the sting, while still running to show students
they are still in the game.
o Keep running around, holding your hand where you got tagged. If you’re
tagged a second time, use your other band-aid on your wound (your
other hand)
o Teacher will demonstrate again by being stung a second time and using
their second hand to cover their wound.
o When you no longer have band-aids, you must go to the “waspital”
o Teacher will jog over to the marked off area and show students the
location of the “waspital”
o In the waspital, you must draw a card from the stack and do whatever
challenge in on the card
 2 push-ups
 5 jumping jacks
 Run in place for 5 seconds
 Hop on one foot 5 times
o Teacher will draw a card and complete the challenge written on the card.
o Once you have completed the challenge, you may go return to the game.
 Demonstration:
o Teacher will demonstrate by having one student ‘sting’ with a pool noodle.
She will place her hand over the sting, while still running to show students
they are still in the game.
o Teacher will demonstrate again by being stung a second time and using
their second hand to cover their wound.
o Teacher will jog over to the marked off area and show students the
location of the “waspital”
o Teacher will draw a card and complete the challenge written on the card.
Variations
 Use running, skipping, sliding, walking each round
 Add in more wasps if the game goes too slowly

TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
1. Allow students to use their creativity to change the movement each round
2. Have students create other ways to come back into the game.
3. Teacher can call weather patterns.
Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
a. If it is raining, the wasps have trouble flying and will move in slow motion.
4. Teacher can add different obstacles for students.
a. Run away from wasps as if there is a windstorm
b. Run away from wasps as if it is so cold that your feet are freezing to
the ground and you need to break them free.
SAFETY:
 When running, look forward to make sure that you are not going to run into
anyone
 When moving to the ‘waspital’, watch out for people who may not be paying
attention.
 Be sure to spread out and use your own space
 Be sure to stay within the cones, and away from walls

RESOURCE: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/843721311416719233/

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
GAME: Going Bananas TEACHER: Abigail Compton
TARGET AUDIENCE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT:
 noodles for taggers
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
 Balances in an inverted position with stillness and supportive base. (S1.E7.2b)
 Accepts responsibility for class protocols with behavior and performance
actions. (S4.E2.2)

INSTANT ACTIVITY: Students will start by walking randomly around the gym.
Randomly the teacher will call out different movements for the students to replicate.

ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Students will sit in the middle of the gym while the
game is being described. There are no teams for this game, but two taggers are
needed (more or less depending on how many students are in the class). These can be
chosen in any way that works for the group.
escribe the student start for the lesson. Do you need two teams? Five teams of five
students each? Everyone needs a partner? Are they on the end line or in general
space or ???.
ACTIVITY SET UP: Kids are spread our around the playing area. Select 2 students to
be the ‘monkeys’ (taggers).

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

SAFETY:
 When running, look forward to make sure that you are not going to run into
anyone
 When moving watch out for people who may not be paying attention.
 Be sure to spread out and use your own space
 Be sure to stay within the cones, and away from walls

INSTRUCTIONS:
 Object The point of this game is to avoid getting turned into a banana. There is
not a specific winner, all students are active.
 Anticipatory Set: Interest the students by asking them to name certain animals
that eat certain foods.
 Demonstration: Teacher will demonstrate while giving directions, being sure to do
both clearly. He/she will choose students to help with the demonstration.
Directions:
 Students run around, trying not to get tagged by the monkeys.
 If you get tagged, you turn into a banana (hands together, stretched out above
your head).
o Teacher will check for understanding by asking students to demonstrate
this action.
 You stay a banana until someone else frees you, by peeling (bull one hand down,
then the other).
o Students will demonstrate this to show that they are understanding.
Variations:
 Change the method of movement: skipping, hopping, side-stepping, galloping
 Change what happens when you are tagged: balance on 1 leg for 20 seconds, then
you are free again
 Change the animals/food: panda/ bamboo, rabbit/carrot

RESOURCE: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/431219733067808641/
Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
GAME: Mario Chain Chomp
TARGET AUDIENCE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT:
 1 -gator skill ball for every 5 students
 1 - ½ pool noodle
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
 Applies simple strategies in fleeing activities. (S2.E5.3b)
 Accepts responsibility for class protocols with behavior and performance
actions. (S4.E2.2)
INSTANT ACTIVITY: This is a 3-5 minute activity to start the lesson and burn off
some energy. It is a very simple task that needs no equipment and has very few
instructions.
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: There will be several taggers, one for every 5-7
players. There will be one Mario. Students will begin moving around the circuit or race
track using the teacher chosen loco-motor skill.
ACTIVITY SET UP: The playing area should be set up using volleyball court lines. If you
do not have a gym with these, use tape or cones to mark off the floor.

circuit or race track, all students

going in the same direction

Exercise area or pit stop

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
SAFETY:
 It is important that all students are moving in the same direction to avoid
collisions.
 Mario is to lightly tap the Chomps on the arm.
 The Chomps are only allowed to touch the arm of a racer. If a ball is thrown,
the thrower is out.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Object: Race around the track and avoid being chomped by the chains.
 Anticipatory Set: “Have many of you have ever played Mario or Mario Cart?”
“Have you ever seem the Chain Chompers? Well today we are combing all of
these things for our activity!”
 Demonstration: Teacher will demonstrate the game, with the help of a few
students. The students will be sitting in the pit stop area of the track while the
teacher and demonstrators are on the track.

DIRECTIONS:
 Choose several taggers. There should be 1 for every 5 players.
o Each will be given a foam ball.
 Choose one Mario.
o Mario will have the pool noodle
 Everyone else are the Mario Kart Characters (or just regular students).
 Have students spread out in the circuit area or race track.
 Students are to use a certain locomotor skill and move in a certain direction.
 The Chain Chomps (taggers) are trying to touch the other students on the back
or arm with the foam ball.
 If a student is tagged they will go to the Pit (exercise area) to perform one of
the following:
o 1st time tagged (one push up performed correctly) then return to track
o 2nd time tagged (two curl-ups performed correctly)t hen return to
track
o 3rd time tagged (sit cross legged until rescued by Mario) could use this
time for a heart rate check
Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
o This pattern continues each time they are tagged.
o Once the exercise is performed they may return to the game.
 Mario (rescuer) will carry the ½ pool noodle as his Fire Power Up Flower.
 Mario has two jobs:
o Touch the Chain Chomps (taggers)
o Rescue the students who are sitting in the exercise area.
 If a Chain Chomp gets touched by Mario, they must go to the Pit and perform
10 exercises of their choice.
 Mario needs to pay close attention to who is in need of help as he/she moves
around the gym. Remember Mario must move in the same direction as the
runners.
 After allotted time, teacher will stop game and switch Chomps and Mario.
VARIATIONS:
 Have students move in different locomotor skills - talk about which one causes
the biggest increase in heart rate
 Have students perform different exercises and discuss whether the exercises
are for strength, endurance or flexibility or a combination.
 Make a circuit or track that is a different shape
 Use scooters for movement, if using scooters, the exercises could also involve
the scooter (ab roller, seated windshield wipers or circles with feet on scooter,
etc.)
RESOURCE:
https://www.pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=133249#.XAClYmhKjIU

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
GAME: Frog Pond
TARGET AUDIENCE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT:
 45 poly spots
 Hula hoops (based on the number of students in the class)
 45 colored bean bags
 Stuffed frog
 10 cones (one for each pair)
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
 Demonstrates 4 of the 5 critical elements for jumping and landing in a horizontal
plane using a variety of one- and two-foot take-offs and landings. (S1.E3.2)
 Accepts responsibility for class protocols with behavior and performance
actions. (S4.E2.2)
INSTANT ACTIVITY: Students will do different locomotor activities (jogging, walking,
galloping, and skipping). They will move in different directions. When the time comes,
they will make their groups based on who is around them.
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Students will be sitting on one side of the playing area
to be able to see everything the teacher is doing. They will be sitting to prevent them
distractions that would keep them from listening closely. Students will be placed into
pairs based on their instant activity groupings.
ACTIVITY SET UP: Poly spots will spread throughout the playing field in a circle. The
bean bags will all be in the middle of the circle. Cones will be placed around the circle
for the students to sit by.

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

SAFETY:
 Be sure to have students look before jumping to avoid collisions with other
students.
 If a student does not have a partner, be their partner for the first round and
then switch groups quickly to ensure they will be chosen for a pair the next time.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Object: In Frog Pond, students are practicing their jumping, leaping, and hopping
skills by moving from one lily pad (poly spot) to another to get to the frog food
(beanbags, yarn balls, etc. that are in the hula hoops in the middle of the playing
area). During the activity, the students try to collect as much food for Finnegan
as they can, and hope they get a lot of his favorite color.
 Anticipatory Set: Ask students to name off facts about a frog (they leap, they
jump on lilies, they eat flies, etc.)
 Demonstration: Teacher will demonstrate the game. Students will be sitting on
one side of the playing area to be able to see everything the teacher is doing.
Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
They will be sitting to prevent them distractions that would keep them from
listening closely.

DIRECTIONS:
 While students are finishing the end of their instant activity, they will go toe-to-
toe with a partner.
 The teacher introduces Finnegan the Frog. Finnegan is a very picky eater. He
only likes certain color foods and he changes his mind a lot.
 During the activity, the students try to collect as much food for Finnegan as
they can, and hope they get a lot of his favorite color.
 The teacher hides a notecard with Finnegan's favorite color food on it (i.e., blue)
under Finnegan and places him in an area that is visible to the students.
 The students are sitting with their partner behind a cone, which are spread out
around the perimeter of the playing area.
 When the teacher says "GO", one of the partners jumps, hops, or leaps from lily
pad to lily pad to get to the middle area.
 Once there, they choose 1 piece of frog food. They then jump, hop, or leap
across the lily pads to get back to their partner.
 They keep the frog food by their team's cone, and their partner then takes a
turn and does the same thing.
 This continues until all the frog food is gone.
 When all the frog food is gone, the teacher ends the round and has all students
sit with their partner behind their cone.
 The teacher reveals what color food Finnegan likes for that round, and the
students count up the number of food they have that matches that color.
 The students return the frog food to the middle, the teacher chooses a new
favorite food color for Finnegan, and a new round starts.
VARIATIONS:
 Keep poly spots closer for younger kids, and spread them out a little for older
kids.
 You can also pick more than one color for Finnegan's favorite, and students just
add both colors up to find their total for a math integration.
Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

 If you don't have many things for "frog food", you can make larger groups
(such as groups of 4) so the food lasts longer.
RESOURCE:
https://www.pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=133159#.XAC0vGhKjIU

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
GAME: Doctor Dodgeball
TARGET AUDIENCE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT:
 4 scooters
 10+ gator balls
 Mats (optional)
 4 wristbands/pennies
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
 Throws underhand using a mature pattern. (S1.E13.2)
 Accepts responsibility for class protocols with behavior and performance
actions. (S4.E2.2)
INSTANT ACTIVITY: Students will do different locomotor activities (jogging, walking,
galloping, and skipping). They will move in different directions. When the time comes,
they will make their groups based on who is around them. After students are done,
they will go toe-to-toe with their closet neighbor. The student with the darker hair
color will raise their hand. That student will move to one side while the other student
goes to their other.
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Students will sit on the sidelines of the gym to listen
to directions. This will allow them to see the entire playing field during demonstrations.
ACTIVITY SET UP: There will be two doctors for each of the two teams. Each doctor
will have a scooter to bring their injured players to safety. The mats are used to guard
the players from getting hit right after they are saved. There will be balls placed in the
middle of the roam along the center line.

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

SAFETY:
 Only hit students below the knee. Do not aim for a specific student anywhere
above the knee.
 If running outside of play area to grab a ball, make a stopping area for students
so they do not hit a wall.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Object The object of this game is to be the team with the most amount of
students standing at the end of the game.
 Anticipatory Set: Ask students if they have ever played dodge ball. Explain the
differences of this game and ask students what they might want in a game of
dodgeball game that might help them out.
 Demonstration: Teacher will demonstrate while students are sitting on the
sidelines. Students who are listening and paying attention may be called up to
help with the demonstration. Students will not be placed near balls as that would
cause a distraction.

DIRECTIONS:
 Chose two players from each team to be doctors. These students will wear
wrist bands or pennies to distinguish them from other players.
 The balls will be set up along the center line.
Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

 When the whistle sounds, students start from the mats and run forward to the
center line to grab a ball.
o They are not allowed to roll the balls until they are back to a certain
mark predetermined by the teacher.
 Students will roll the ball and hit opponents below the knee.
o If a thrown ball hits students above the knee, the student who threw it
will be out.
 If a player gets hit, he/she will sit down where they are standing.
 To get back into the game, the doctor will come over with the ambulance
(scooter) and drag the student behind the mat.
 Be sure to stop and change doctors often.
VARIATIONS:
 If the game seems to be going slowly, try adding that the doctors can get out.
This will allow more students to get out and make the game go quicker.
 Another doctor may be added or taken away depending on how many students
are playing.
RESOURCE: Adapted from: https://physedgames.com/doctor-dodgeball/

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY
LESSON PLANS

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GAME TITLE: Plank Race
TARGET AUDIENCE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT:
 8 pieces of paper (per group), 10 bean bags (per group)
OBJECTIVES:
 Praises others for their success in movement performance. (3.4.3.B)
 Transfers weight from feet to different body parts/bases of support for
balance (S1.E8.2)
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Two students are racing each other (per group) while
their teammates cheer them on from the sides.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Object of this physical activity game is to move all bean bags to the end and
back for each player the fastest.
 One member from each team gets down in a plank position.
 When the teacher says go, students will take the bean bags from the starting
paper and move it down the line until it gets to the last paper. All bean bags must
start from the same paper.
 When one student reaches the last paper, they switch off with another member
from their team.
 The team that goes through all their players first yells stop.

TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
1. Emphasize teamwork by cheering teammates on.
2. Create more than two groups to compete against each other.
3. Use a clock and play beat the timer.
4. Make the race around a shape rather than a straight line.

SAFETY:
 Open space so students are safe

RESOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKzrwqpLfoc&feature=youtu.be
Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GAME TITLE: Rock Paper Scissors Tag

TARGET AUDIENCE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT:
 Tape (optional if needed)
OBJECTIVES:
 Accepts responsibility and consequences for following rules and protocols.
(2.4.1.B)
 Works cooperatively with others. (3.4.3.A)
 Runs with a mature pattern. (S1.E2.2a)
 Skips using a mature pattern. (S1.E1.2)
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Have students get toe-to-toe with a partner. Have
them decide which of them has the most pets at home. The partner with the least will
raise his/her hand. If there is a tie, the two students will do a thumb war to see who
will raise their hand. The students who do not have their hand raised will go to one side
of the line and then other will stay where they are. Students should be across the line
from someone on the other team.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 When the leader (the teacher) gives the signal, teams walk to the center line
and pair up with a player on the opposite team.
 On another signal, each pair will play Rock Paper Scissors.
 The player who loses the game of Rock Paper Scissors quickly turn around and
runs back to the line made behind them. (Use tape or lines already on gym floor
or playground if available).
 The player who wins the game of Rock Paper Scissors, chases the other player
attempting to tag them before reaching the outside line.
 Then have each player go back to their line.
 Have one line shift players down one spot so they will meet a new opponent at
the center line.
 Repeat
Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
 Have teams quietly pick what item everyone will play—rock, paper, or scissors.
When teams meet at the center line, everyone plays at once. On entire team
then chases the other entire team back to their line.
 If player gets tagged, they must switch teams with other player.
 Have students gallop, skip, hop, or slide instead of run.
SAFETY:
 Stopping line away from wall to give students time to slow down.
 Do not have students stand too close together. Give students time to run away
and react.
 Give students a clear area.
RESOURCE: https://www.playworks.org/resource/game-of-the-week-rock-paper-
scissors-tag/

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GAME TITLE: Crab Attack!
TARGET AUDIENCE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT: None
OBJECTIVES:
 Actively engages in physical education class in response to instruction and
practice. (2.3.2.A)
 Recognizes the role of rules and etiquette in physical activity with peers.
(3.4.4.A)
 Applies simple strategies and tactics in chasing activities. (S2.E5.3a)
 Applies simple strategies in fleeing activities. (S2.E5.3b)
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: There will be 2-3 taggers. The rest of the students
will be trying to not become crabs. Students sit while listening to instructions. If inside
the classroom, desks will need to be pushed to the side or made into a giant square for
room.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Mark off a designated area with cones. If you play the whole gym it will be way
too big. Make a square out of desks or mark off area of playground.
 Select 3-4 students to be taggers and they will start as the crabs and must
crab walk.
 All of the other students will be on their feet and will try to stay away from
the crabs as long as they can
 If a student gets tagged by a crab, they become a crab as well and will get
down on the ground and can now tag students as well.
 Crabs/taggers will grow in numbers as the game goes on
 Play unit there are only a handful of students left in the game
 If can’t decide if got tagged or not then just play Rock Paper Scissors

TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
 Have students use different movements (slides, galloping, skipping).

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

 If students are having a difficult time doing the crab walk, have them get into
squatting position and put their arms up, using their hands as ‘claws’.
SAFETY:
 Stress the importance of not grabbing onto legs but just tagging with foot or
hand to avoid tripping and students falling.
 Students are not to run.
 Students that are standing should watch out for the fingers of students who
are the crabs.
 Open space so students are safe

RESOURCE: https://www.pewithmrg.org/single-post/pegamescrabattack

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GAME TITLE: Ships and Sailors
TARGET AUDIENCE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT: None
OBJECTIVES:
 Works cooperatively with others. (3.4.3.A)
 Works safely with peers, independently, and with/without equipment in physical
activity settings. (3.4.5.A)
 Combines movement concepts (direction, levels, force, and time) with skills as
directed by the teacher. (S2.E3.3)
 Combines locomotor skills in general space to a rhythm. (S2.E1.2)
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Students will stand in a group in the middle of the
room or play area. Teacher or leader will stand in front of the group so he/she are
visible by all students. Directions in this game are very important, so students need to
listen carefully.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Divide the playing space in half with a line down the center (for example the
boundaries for a game could be half of a basketball court).
 Players move around within the designated boundaries after the Captain
(caller) calls out a series of demands.
 The commands require the players to regroup in different ways.
o Ships-stand on the left side of the ship
o Sailors-stand on the right side of the ship
o Captain's coming-stand at salute (with your hand near your head standing
straight)
o At ease-hands at your side
o Man overboard-one player kneels and the other puts his/her hand on their
partner's shoulder and pretends to look overboard
o Three hands rowing-players get into a group of 3 and mime rowing
furiously
o Four hands eating-players get into a group of 4 and mime eating
ravenously
Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
o Five hands pointing North – players get into groups of 5 and point into the
sky
 Players who move incorrectly or haven’t found a group, move out of playing
pounds and “walk the plank”
 When the teacher yells “Pirates!” the players walking the plank can come tag
anyone for 5 seconds and those tagged become pirates too.
TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
 Create two groups to compete against each other.
 Switch up the numbers to ensure that students are listening (three man rowing,
make it four man rowing)
 If the game is going long, call commands that you know will get at least one
person to become a pirate.
 Have students create new commands.
 Make a timer, players only have 10 seconds to get into groups. If you are not in
a group in the allotted time, you become a pirate.

SAFETY:
 Open space so students are safe
 No pushing others out of groups
 To keep students emotionally safe, students must get into groups with people
closest to them. Do not pick and choose who gets to be in a group.

RESOURCE: https://www.pewithmrg.org/single-post/pegamescrabattack

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GAME TITLE: Mouse Trap
TARGET AUDIENCE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT:
 10 Bean Bags (or other small items to be the ‘cheese’)
OBJECTIVES:
 Works cooperatively with others. (3.4.3.A)
 Works independently with others in partner activities. (2.4.3.A)
 Recognizes the concept of open spaces in a movement context. (S2.E1.3)
 Combines movement concepts(direction, levels, force, time) with skills as
directed by the teacher. (S2.E3.3)
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Have students go toe-to-toe with a partner. The
partners with the longer hair will make a circle by all holding hands in the middle of the
room. This forms the mousetrap. The other students will spread out around the outside
of the trap. They will be the mice.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Place beanbags in the middle of the circle to represent cheese.
 Place a hula hoop against the far wall. That is the collection bin for the cheese.
 The mice will attempt to steal pieces of cheese by entering the circle by going
under the arms or through the legs and into the mousetrap.
 Once inside, a mouse must hurry out with a piece of cheese, because if the
teacher yells “MOUSETRAP” then the circle of players collapses their arms down
to trap any mice inside (or play along to music, and when the music stops, then
the mousetrap closes).
 Any mice who were trapped become part of the mousetrap circle.
 After all mice have been caught, switch roles and play again.
TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
 Mice could do another movement, like jumping,, squatting. Alternatives to jogging
are skipping, galloping, speed walking

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

 Create two different groups if students so more students can be active at

once.
 Play short songs, when the song ends, the mousetrap closes.
SAFETY:
 Students must lower their arms slowly and carefully to not hit anybody.
 Mice must stay crouched low to not hit the arms of the trappers.
 Students may walk fast, but no running. There will not be enough room to be
safe.
RESOURCE: https://physedgames.com/mousetrap/

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

BRAIN ENERGIZER
LESSON PLANS

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
BRAIN ENERGIZER ACTIVITY TITLE: Line Up!
GRADE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT:
 clock/timer
 paper cards for students to use for ordering
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: All students will stand in a line at the front of the
room. If the line runs into the wall, students may make a curve around the desks and
down an aisle.
SAFETY:
 Students are to walk to their spaces in line.
 Students should keep their hands to themselves and not push others to get to
their spots.

INSTRUCTIONS:
 Object of this brain energizer is to line up in ascending/descending order as fast
as you can based on the criteria given by the teacher.
 Students will start by all standing at the front of the classroom.
 Teacher will give a category.
 Teacher will tell the students ascending or descending.
 One student will be the designated stopper.
 Students must line up according to the category in either ascending or
descending as fast as they can.
 When the line is complete, the designated student yells stop.

TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
 Encourage discussion with peers.
 Create two groups and make it a race to see who can make their line the
fastest.
 Change up the category (hair length, age, birthday, height).
 Set timer and see if students can line up before the buzzer sounds.

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
RESOURCE: https://unicefkidpower.org/brain-breaks-for-kids/
BRAIN ENERGIZER ACTIVITY TITLE: Mingle, Mingle, Math!
GRADE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT: None
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Students walk slowly around the classroom, softly
saying “mingle, mingle, math”
SAFETY: Students walk slowly to ensure no collisions. Students walk around with hands
to their sides to make sure that no one is tempted to hit another student while walking
by. Desks/tables may be moved around to make more free room for students to move
around.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 The object of the game is to help students with quick math facts.
 As students are walking round slowly, the teacher will call out a math problem.
o Ex., “2+2”, “5+6”, “10x1”, etc.
 Students must quickly find the answer to the problem and get into groups with
the correct number of people.
 Students who are left must do a physical task to get back into the game (three
jumping jacks, three push-ups, three squats).

TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS: You can change the math problems depending on

the level of the students. This will be a great way to make flashcards more interactive.
You can also add rules such as: as soon as a group is complete, all members must sit
down.
RESOURCE: Adapted from: https://minds-in-bloom.com/20-three-minute-brain-breaks/

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

BRAIN ENERGIZER ACTIVITY TITLE: 5-4-3-2-1

GRADE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT: None
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Students will stand beside their desks. Be sure to
spread out so no one hits each other.
SAFETY: Spread out. Each student should have their own space to move.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 The object of this activity is to get students up and moving.
 Students stand up and the teacher has them do five different movements in
descending order.
 The teacher would say, “Do five jumping jacks, spin around four times, hop on one
foot three times, walk all the way around the class two times, give your
neighbor one high-five.”
 Add describing words to each task. “five silly jumping jacks, four energetic hops,
three slow spins, two loud high-fives, one low squat”.
 Be sure to pause between each task number.
 Encourage students to come up with their own ideas.

TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
 Have students create their own tasks.
 Make the game longer or shorter by adding more numbers.
 Make students try to remember each without reminding them.
RESOURCE: https://minds-in-bloom.com/20-three-minute-brain-breaks/

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

BRAIN ENERGIZER ACTIVITY TITLE: Silent Yoga

GRADE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT: None
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Clear an open space. Move desks to the side or have
students sit next to their desks. Students will start by sitting crisscross on the floor,
waiting for the first pose.
SAFETY: Students need to make sure they have enough room to move. If they were
to wobble or fall over, would they hit something or someone else?
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Have students start by taking a few deep breaths.
 Teacher should be sitting on the floor as well in front of the class.
 Choose as many yoga poses as time allows:
o Tree: stand on one leg. Bend the other knee and place the sole of your
foot on your inner thigh. Sway like a tree in the breeze. Now switch sides.
o Frog: come down to squat with your knees apart and arms resting
between your knees. Touch your hands to the ground. Jump in place like a
frog.
o Seed: sit back on your heels and bring your forehead down to rest on the
floor. Pretend to be a seed in the garden.
o Butterfly: Sit on your bottom and sit tall. Bend your legs with the soles of
your feet together. Flap your legs like the wings of a butterfly.
o Flower: lift your bent legs, balancing on your bottom. Weave your arms
under your legs, palms up. Pretend to be a flower in bloom.

TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
 Have students create their own poses that go along with their wildlife theme.
 Play calming music.
 Use this to help with transitions after energizing activities such as recess.
RESOURCE: https://childhood101.com/yoga-for-kids-a-walk-through-the-garden/

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
BRAIN ENERGIZER ACTIVITY TITLE: Rainstorm
GRADE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT: None
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Students stand beside their desks and stay in their
lines.
SAFETY: This activity is safe because there are no large movements and it is perfect
for a small classroom. Students are stationary at their desks and they are only using
their hands to make the sounds.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Have students follow your lead;
o Begin by having students very lightly rubbing their hands together.
o Then lightly snap.
o Slap their thighs.
o Slap their thighs.
o Stomp their feet (the rainstorm is at its peak!).
o Then stop stomping their feet, just slap their thighs, return to lightly
snapping, rubbing their hands and stop. Do each action for 20 seconds.
TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
 Have a student come up and lead the next one.
 See if students can create a snowstorm or a tornado.
 See if students can separate into two groups and be able to make two different
rain storms. See who can be the quietest/loudest.
 Use pencils to drum out the beat on desks.
RESOURCE: Adapted from: https://sph.uth.edu/content/uploads/2014/06/APAL-Brain-
Breaks-Guide.pdf

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
BRAIN ENERGIZER ACTIVITY TITLE: Human Knot
GRADE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT: None
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Split into groups of 5-8 students.
SAFETY: Be sure students are not grasping too tightly. Give enough area for students
to gather.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 The challenge is to untangle and become a circle without releasing hands.
 Have students grab right hands with someone who is not directly next to them.
 Repeat with the left hand.

TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS: This brain energizer would be great to use if

students are having a difficult time working together. These knots require teamwork
to be detangled. If students are making finishing too quickly, try combining two groups
to make the knot larger.
RESOURCE: https://minds-in-bloom.com/20-three-minute-brain-breaks/

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
BRAIN ENERGIZER ACTIVITY TITLE Thumb Wrestle Train
GRADE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT: None
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Students will roam around the room looking for
someone to battle in a thumb war. Students can weave in and out of desks, so a large
clear area is not necessarily needed.
SAFETY: Students will not be hands on. They do need to pay attention to where they
are going when walking to make sure they do not run into anything or trip. Students are
not to run around while looking for a partner.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Students will be roaming around the room looking for someone to battle.
 When they find someone, they will play against them.
o The winner goes stays while the loser lines up behind the winner and
cheers on their now teammate.
 The winner will move on to their next battle.
 If a line of 10 people loses to a line of 4 people, the 10 players from the losing
team join the line of 4 and cheer on their teammate as they compete against
others.
 The winner is the person that ends with everyone in their line.
 Play multiple rounds if time allows.
TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
 Switch up the game. Students can play Rock Paper Scissors, ISPY, or any other
quick one-on-one game.
 Students can use levels instead.
o Level 1 – crawl
o Level 2 – squat
o Level 3 – stand
 If you win you move up a level (Level 3 stays).
 If you lose you move down a level (Level 1 stays)

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.

 RESOURCE: Adapted from: https://www.icebreakers.ws/large-group/extreme-

rock-paper-scissors.html

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
BRAIN ENERGIZER ACTIVITY TITLE: Mime Yourself
GRADE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT: None
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Students will pair up by finding someone with the
same birth month or birth day number. Students who do not have match will find
something they have in common with another student who did not find a match. If
there is an odd number, the teacher will pair up.
SAFETY: This is safe because there is very little large movements involved. Students
are getting up and walking around the classroom and not rushing. Once they find a
partner they are stationary, only making small gestures. Be sure each groups has their
own space for their tasks.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Have students get into pairs and without talking mirror each other’s actions.
 Specify who will be the leader to start, and tell students that without talking
they should switch back and forth as to who has the lead.
 Suggest that students mime their favorite sport or outdoor activity.
TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
 Have students come up with secret handshakes with their partners to share
with the class.
 Have student try act out their favorite foods, sports, activity, ect.,)
RESOURCE: https://sph.uth.edu/content/uploads/2014/06/APAL-Brain-Breaks-
Guide.pdf

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
BRAIN ENERGIZER ACTIVITY TITLE: Seat Swap
GRADE: 2nd-3rd Grade
EQUIPMENT: None
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Students will stand up from their desks. Their chairs
need to be pushed in and they are standing behind them.
SAFETY: Students need to walk and not run. It is important that students are
watching where they are going and being careful not to run into each other.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Have students stand behind their pushed-in chairs.
 Call out a trait.
 Everyone who has that trait must change places with someone else (students
who do not have the trait stay where they are).
 Examples: "Everyone with curly hair." "Everyone who ate cereal for breakfast."
Everyone who is wearing stripes."
TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
 Have students call out traits.
 Have students think about a trait that they think everyone might have.
 Have students think of a trait that they have that nobody else has that makes
them unique and awesome.
RESOURCE: Adapted from:
https://sph.uth.edu/research/centers/dell/resources/APAL_Brain%20Breaks.pdf

Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN
 CREATED BY ABIGAIL COMPTON TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR K290: MOVEMENT
EXPERIENCES FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY CHILDREN.
BRAIN ENERGIZER ACTIVITY TITLE: Zero In
GRADE: 2nd-3rd Grades
EQUIPMENT:
 Number cards
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENTS: Students will be standing at their desk. One student
will be randomly selected by their class number to come to the front and be the first
guesser.
SAFETY: Students will need to be in their own space. Students will be jumping or
squatting so they will need to ensure there are no objects surrounding them that could
be run into or stepped on.
INSTRUCTIONS:
 One student is selected to stand in front of the room while facing the class.
 The class is given direction that they are going to help the student (a.k.a the
guesser) guess a secret number without talking or using hand gestures.
 A secret number is held up behind the student.
 The guesser will call out a number.
 If the guesser needs to guess higher, the class will cue him/her by jumping up
and down.
 If the guesser needs to guess lower, the class will cue him/her by squatting up
and down.
 The class continues to give active, silent, cues until the guesser guesses the
secret number.
TEACHING TIPS/MODIFICATIONS:
 Instead of using a number, hold up a math problem that the class has to solve
before the guesser begins guessing.
o The guesser must guess the answer to the problem (of course, without
seeing the math problem).
 Use animal cards, students must act out the animal for the guesser to guess.
RESOURCE:
https://sph.uth.edu/research/centers/dell/resources/APAL_Brain%20Breaks.pdf
Gifted to Monroe County YMCA Energize Program and Clear Creek Elementary School of Monroe
County Community Schools in Bloomington, IN