Word Building Relay Race

I gave each table a pad of post-it notes (this was a great way to use those different shaped pads I'd been collecting!)

Each table elected one person to do the writing, and one person to do the running.

I then posted two word families. At "Go!", they would come up with a word for either (or both) word family. Writer would put the word on the sheet, and the runner would go up to the board to place their word.

I would stand at the board to prevent duplicate words. So when the Pink Team got "dog" placed up there first, no other team was allowed put that word there, too.

When the buzzer goes off, the team with the most words wins! (In this case, Green Apple Team was the winner.)

The kids loved it! We'd do it at least once a week, using two different word family prompts.

Click on the photos for larger versions.

Indoor Recess - Bad Weather Activity #1

Before you know it, the weather will change, and you won't be able to take the kiddos outside for recess. And the class really needs to blow off some of that energy!

Here is a easy game to play that will help alleviate both problems!

I've done this with one line and in a circle, but I've discovered it's a lot more fun if you have the children stand in 2 or more lines (with an even number of children in all lines).

Relay races!

You need a large rubber ball, or a beach ball. Something they can grasp with both hands.

Begin by having the child in front pass the ball overhead to the next child. The child at the end then passes it back, again overhead.

Next, the ball passes on their RIGHT from one to the other. Note: they must still face forward, and can only turn their waists to pass the ball. When the last child gets the ball, s/he then passes it along their LEFT side, back to the front.

Want to make it a bit more difficult? See if they can toss the ball to the next person!