1
Hot Potato Tag
How to Play
1Spread chairs in a circle with music playing.
2Children walk around the chairs passing a soft ball.
3When music stops, the child holding the ball runs around the outside of the circle and back.
4That child sits in an empty chair — the game continues.
5Last child standing wins a sticker.
Teacher TipUse upbeat music — the faster the music, the more exciting the game.
2
Flashcard Fitness Relay
How to Play
1Set up a relay course with a flashcard at each station.
2First child runs to station one, names the flashcard word, runs back.
3Next child goes. First team to finish all stations wins.
4If a child forgets the word, they get a clue from their team.
5All children on the winning team earn a star.
Teacher TipPhysical movement before and after naming makes the word more memorable.
3
Freeze Dance Move
How to Play
1Play music — children dance freely around the gym.
2When music stops, hold up a flashcard.
3Children freeze AND say the word together before the music starts again.
4Anyone still moving when the music plays does three star jumps.
5Most energetic dancer at the end earns a fitness badge.
Teacher TipCombining dance with vocabulary doubles the memory retention.
4
Ball Toss Naming
How to Play
1Children stand in a circle.
2Teacher tosses a ball to a child — that child says a vocabulary word.
3Child tosses to the next — new word, new word.
4If the ball is dropped, the dropper runs once around the circle.
5Count how many words the class names together.
Teacher TipBall toss games always create excitement and laughing.
5
Cone Colour Sprint
How to Play
1Set up five cones, each labelled with a different coloured tape.
2Teacher calls a colour — children sprint to that cone and touch it.
3First child to touch the correct cone earns a point for their team.
4Wrong cone means running back to the start and trying again.
5First team to earn 10 points wins.
Teacher TipUse bright coloured tape — the visual contrast makes the colours easy to see from a distance.
6
Animal Walk Tag
How to Play
1One child is IT and walks around the gym calling an animal.
2The other children walk like that animal.
3IT calls SNAP — children freeze. IT taps a frozen child.
4The tapped child becomes the new IT and chooses the next animal.
5Keep moving — no running inside the gym.
Teacher TipAnimal walks are a natural way for children to move and release energy.
7
Beanbag Balance Race
How to Play
1Children walk from one end of the gym to the other carrying a beanbag on their head.
2If the beanbag falls, they pick it up and start from the beginning.
3First child to reach the finish line without dropping wins.
4Class counts together: one, two, three — how many steps did it take?
5All children who finish without dropping earn a balance badge.
Teacher TipBalance activities build core strength and focus simultaneously.
8
Flashcard Gym Hunt
How to Play
1Hide flashcards around the gym before class.
2Children search for cards and bring them to the teacher.
3Each child shows their card and says the word aloud.
4Class repeats the word together three times.
5All children who find a card earn a card collector star.
Teacher TipHide cards at different heights so all children can reach them.
9
Stretch and Name
How to Play
1Teacher calls a body part: STRETCH YOUR ARMS!
2All children stretch that body part while saying the word.
3Try: stretch your LEGS, touch your TOES, reach to the CEILING.
4Name a body part — children stretch and hold it for five seconds.
5Most flexible stretch wins a round.
Teacher TipStretching while naming connects physical sensation with the vocabulary.
10
Pass the Ball Count
How to Play
1Children sit in a circle.
2Pass a ball around — each child says one number: ONE, TWO, THREE.
3When you reach 20, start again from one.
4Anyone who says the wrong number or hesitates does a star jump.
5The class tries to reach 50 without any mistakes.
Teacher TipCounting together builds number vocabulary and teamwork.
11
Obstacle Course Name
How to Play
1Build a simple obstacle course with cones, chairs, and hoops.
2Place a flashcard at each station.
3Children navigate the course, stopping at each station to name the card.
4Time each child — they try to beat their own best time.
5Fastest improvement earns a champion badge.
Teacher TipThree stations is enough for younger children — add more for older ones.
12
Ladder Hop Name
How to Play
1Lay a PE ladder flat on the floor.
2Children step in and out of each square as fast as possible.
3At the last square, name a flashcard word before running back.
4Time each run — try to beat your time on the next attempt.
5Fastest improvement earns a fitness star.
Teacher TipHopping through the ladder is excellent for gross motor development.
13
Hoop Jump Count
How to Play
1Give each child a hula hoop standing upright on the floor.
2Child steps into the hoop, names a vocabulary word, steps out.
3Repeat — jump in and out naming a new word each time.
4Children who repeat a word or hesitate move to the sideline as cheerleaders.
5Last child in the game wins.
Teacher TipKeep a class list of used words so children cannot repeat.
14
Mat Roll Move
How to Play
1Lay gym mats end to end in a straight line.
2Children roll forward along the mat like a log.
3At the end of the mat, they run back and tag the next person.
4First team to complete the relay wins.
5The team that rolls the neatest earns a bonus point.
Teacher TipLog rolling builds core strength and coordination.
15
Whistle Command Game
How to Play
1Use a whistle — children respond only to whistle commands.
2One long whistle: jog in place.
3Two short whistles: freeze.
4Three quick whistles: find a partner and high-five.
5At each whistle, hold up a flashcard — children name the word during the action.
Teacher TipThe whistle creates strong attention and excitement.
16
Scarf Float and Catch
How to Play
1Give each child a lightweight silk scarf.
2Toss the scarf into the air and catch it before it falls.
3While the scarf is in the air, name a vocabulary word.
4Catch the scarf — if caught, score a point.
5How many catches can the class make in a row?
Teacher TipLightweight scarves float slowly and are easy to catch.
17
Sponge Squeeze Relay
How to Play
1Set up two buckets — one full of water, one empty.
2Soak a sponge and squeeze it into a cup while running to the empty bucket.
3Run back and tag your teammate — first team to fill their bucket wins.
4Halfway down the course, hold up a flashcard — name the word before continuing.
5All children on the winning team earn a splash badge.
Teacher TipDo this outdoors or on tile — water on gym floors is slippery.
18
Pillow Fight Pass
How to Play
1Children stand in a circle on gym mats, each holding a soft pillow.
2One child holds up a flashcard and says the word, then taps the child to their left.
3That child catches the pillow, names the next word, and taps on.
4The pace increases each round.
5Who can keep the fastest, most accurate rhythm?
Teacher TipPillows make the pass tangible and fun — always a hit.
19
Sack Race Hop
How to Play
1Set up a sprint lane with a finish line.
2Children hop in sacks to the halfway point, name a flashcard, hop back.
3First to correctly name the word and finish wins their heat.
4All participants earn a hop star — winning is optional at this age.
5Race in heats of four — everyone races at least twice.
Teacher TipSack races are more about fun than speed at this age.
20
Pool Noodle Tap
How to Play
1Children stand at a line holding a pool noodle.
2At the signal, walk forward and tap a cone ball off its base.
3After each tap, hold up a flashcard — name the word before tapping again.
4First child to knock the ball off three times wins.
5Use soft pool noodles and lightweight balls — safety first.
Teacher TipNoodle tapping is great for hand-eye coordination.
21
Tug of War Teams
How to Play
1Divide the class into two teams on each end of a soft rope.
2Teacher calls PULL — both teams pull.
3Teacher calls STOP — both teams freeze.
4The team that pulls the centre mark past the finish line wins.
5Celebrate both teams — everyone who plays is a champion.
Teacher TipTeach STOP before you play — safety is more important than winning.
22
Star Jump Name
How to Play
1Teacher calls a vocabulary word — children do a star jump.
2Jump up with arms and legs out wide, land, name the word.
3Each correct name earns a star on the board.
4Class together tries to reach 50 stars.
5Most energetic jumper gets to lead the next round.
Teacher TipStar jumps burn energy and build excitement.
23
Partner Stretch Move
How to Play
1Children pair up.
2One child bends forward, the other gently holds their hands for support.
3Partners gently sway while naming a vocabulary word.
4After three words, switch roles.
5Partners who work together best earn a teamwork badge.
Teacher TipTrust-building activities are as important as vocabulary at this age.
24
Tunnel Ball Roll
How to Play
1Children pair up and form tunnels by sitting facing each other with legs stretched out.
2A soft ball is rolled through all the tunnels from one end.
3Each child who receives the ball names a flashcard word before rolling it on.
4Time how fast the ball travels end to end.
5Beat the class record together.
Teacher TipKeep tunnels close together so the ball does not roll away.
25
Gym Charades Move
How to Play
1One child acts out a vocabulary word without speaking.
2Class watches and guesses which word is being demonstrated.
3Correct guesser is the next actor.
4Actors who need help get a clue: it is an animal / a food / an action.
5Everyone gets at least one turn to act.
Teacher TipActing vocabulary makes it deeply memorable.
26
Hoop Passing Circle
How to Play
1Children stand in a circle passing a hula hoop around.
2The child with the hoop says a vocabulary word before passing it on.
3If a child takes more than three seconds, they do three jumps and try again.
4Keep the circle tight so the hoop passes quickly.
5How many words can the class name in one minute?
Teacher TipFast-paced circle games are best for keeping energy high.
27
Hurdle Hop Flashcard
How to Play
1Set up low hurdles or cones in a row.
2Children hop over each hurdle one by one.
3At the last hurdle, name a flashcard before hopping back.
4Fastest round trip wins.
5All children who attempt every hurdle earn a hurdle hero badge.
Teacher TipKeep hurdles very low — the point is jumping, not clearing.
28
Cone Balance Beam
How to Play
1Set up a row of cones on their side as a balance beam.
2Children walk along the cone line heel to toe.
3At the end, name a flashcard word.
4If they step off, start again from the beginning.
5First to complete three successful crossings wins.
Teacher TipBalance beams are excellent for focus and concentration.
29
Balance Ball Walk
How to Play
1Children walk from one end of the gym to the other carrying a ball on a board.
2If the ball falls, start again from the beginning.
3First to cross the finish line without dropping wins.
4All children who finish earn a balancing star.
5The whole class tries to beat its collective best time.
Teacher TipBall-on-board balancing is harder than it looks — celebrate attempts.
30
Jump the River
How to Play
1Place two parallel ropes on the floor as the river.
2Children jump over the river from one side to the other.
3On the other side, name a flashcard word.
4First to jump and name correctly wins the round.
5Everyone jumps — winning is a bonus, jumping is the goal.
Teacher TipMake the river wide enough to be a challenge but narrow enough to clear.
31
Ball Bounce Count
How to Play
1Children stand in a circle.
2One child bounces a ball continuously while the class counts.
3When the teacher claps, the bouncing stops — the counter reports the number.
4Class tries to beat the last count each round.
5Most bounces in one minute earns a bounce badge.
Teacher TipBouncing and counting together is pure joy for this age.
32
Colour Spot Sprint
How to Play
1Place coloured spots around the gym floor.
2Teacher calls a colour — children sprint to stand on that spot.
3First child on the correct colour earns a point.
4If the spot is already taken, find another spot and say the colour word.
5First team to 10 points wins.
Teacher TipMore spots than children means everyone always has somewhere to go.
33
Flashcard Basketball
How to Play
1Set up a bin or basket three metres away.
2Child stands behind a line, bounces a ball, and names a flashcard word.
3Then shoots — if the ball goes in, score a point.
4If it misses, try again on the next turn.
5First to score five points wins.
Teacher TipLower the basket or use a larger target to keep scoring achievable.
34
Parachute Wave Name
How to Play
1Children hold parachute edges and lift it up.
2Teacher shows a flashcard — the class says the word together.
3Wave the parachute, say the word, lower it.
4Try saying the word louder each time the parachute goes up.
5Most enthusiastic wave earns a parachute badge.
Teacher TipVocabulary practice combined with physical teamwork — double the learning.
35
Beanbag Target Toss
How to Play
1Set up three buckets at different distances labelled easy, medium, far.
2Child tosses a beanbag at the nearest bucket — name a word.
3Move back a bucket each round.
4Most successful tosses at the farthest bucket wins.
5All children who try earn a target star.
Teacher TipUse soft beanbags — safety over accuracy every time.
36
Simon Says Move
How to Play
1Teacher says: Simon says TOUCH YOUR KNEES!
2Children who follow when Simon says it stay in.
3Children who move without Simon says do three jumps.
4Last child standing wins.
5Keep it simple: head, shoulders, knees, toes — two or three per round.
Teacher TipThree body parts per round is plenty for energetic children.
37
Running Race Flashcard
How to Play
1Set up a relay race course.
2First child runs to the board, touches a flashcard, runs back.
3Next child goes. First team to finish all players wins.
4If a child touches the wrong card, they run back and let the next player try.
5Winning team earns a running race champion badge.
Teacher TipThe running is the reward — all children get to run multiple times.
38
Ballet Freeze
How to Play
1Play soft music — children dance with graceful ballet moves.
2Teacher shows a flashcard — children freeze AND say the word.
3Anyone still dancing when they say the word does a twirl and freeze again.
4The most graceful freezer at the end earns a ballet badge.
5Try ballet arms, tiptoe walks, and spinning jumps.
Teacher TipBallet vocabulary adds elegance and variety to movement games.
39
Tug of War Vocabulary
How to Play
1Divide into two teams with a rope.
2When the whistle blows, PULL — when it stops, STOP.
3At each pull round, hold up a flashcard — children name the word together while pulling.
4Team that pulls the centre past the finish line wins a round.
5Best of five rounds wins the match.
Teacher TipVocabulary while pulling is incidental — the movement is the focus.
40
Hot Seat Move
How to Play
1One child sits in the hot seat with their back to the board.
2Draw a vocabulary picture on the board behind them.
3Class makes sounds to guide the seated child to guess.
4Loud sounds mean move right — quiet means move left.
5Correct guess earns a hot seat champion badge.
Teacher TipNon-verbal communication is a genuine cognitive challenge.
41
Four Corners Move
How to Play
1Label four corners with vocabulary flashcard categories.
2One child closes their eyes and counts to ten.
3Other children run to the corner that matches the word they know.
4The seated child calls a number — children in that corner name a word.
5Correct naming earns a four corners champion star.
Teacher TipCorners should be far apart so children have to move.
42
Ball Roll Aim
How to Play
1Set up three bins at different distances.
2Child rolls a ball toward the nearest bin.
3Name a flashcard before rolling.
4Score one point for the nearest bin, three for the middle, five for the farthest.
5Highest score after five rolls wins.
Teacher TipRolling is easier than throwing at this age.
43
Alphabet Action Walk
How to Play
1Place alphabet letters in a path on the floor.
2Children step on each letter in order: A, B, C.
3At each letter, name a flashcard word.
4First child to reach Z without missing a letter wins.
5Class chants the alphabet together — step, step, step.
Teacher TipConnect each letter to a vocabulary word the children already know.
44
Team Building Tower
How to Play
1Give each team 10 paper cups.
2First child runs and places one cup, runs back.
3Next child places the next cup.
4First team to build a complete tower names all their flashcard words.
5All children who help build earn a builder badge.
Teacher TipBuilding together is as important as vocabulary at this age.
45
Flashcard Golf
How to Play
1Set up nine cups as holes with flashcards beside each one.
2Child uses a toy golf club to tap a ball toward a cup.
3When the ball stops near a cup, name the flashcard beside it.
4Score one point for each correct name.
5Highest score after nine holes wins a golf badge.
Teacher TipUse soft toy golf clubs — this is about aiming, not power.
46
Partner Run and Name
How to Play
1Partners stand at the start line together.
2Run to the far end, touch the wall, run back together.
3At the far end, hold up a flashcard — both partners say the word together.
4First pair to complete three rounds wins.
5Both partners must run — no one sits out.
Teacher TipPartner running builds teamwork alongside vocabulary.
47
Ball Bounce and Name
How to Play
1Child bounces a ball continuously while walking across the gym.
2Teacher shows a flashcard at random moments.
3While bouncing, name the word shown.
4If the ball is dropped, pick it up and continue.
5Class counts how many words were named before the ball was dropped.
Teacher TipBall bouncing while naming doubles the cognitive challenge.
48
Animal Relay Race
How to Play
1Divide into teams.
2First child runs to the far end, mimes an animal, runs back.
3Next child guesses the animal and runs.
4First team to correctly guess all animals wins.
5All runners earn a relay runner badge.
Teacher TipAnimal miming is excellent vocabulary practice — and very funny.
49
Back to the Board Guess
How to Play
1One child sits with their back to the board.
2Teacher draws a vocabulary picture on the board.
3Class makes sounds to guide the seated child toward the board.
4Child reaches the board and points to their guess.
5Correct guess earns a back-to-board champion star.
Teacher TipGuiding someone non-verbally builds teamwork and spatial vocabulary.
50
Cone Zigzag Sprint
How to Play
1Set up cones in a zigzag pattern.
2Children sprint through the cones touching each one.
3At the last cone, name a flashcard before sprinting back.
4Fastest time wins.
5Best improvement between attempts earns a speed star.
Teacher TipCone drills improve agility and speed.
51
Scarf Dance Move
How to Play
1Give each child two coloured scarves.
2Play gentle music — children wave scarves in the air.
3When music stops, show a flashcard — children say the word and show the colour of their scarf.
4Keep dancing — the scarf dance never really stops.
5Most creative dancer leads the next round.
Teacher TipScarves catch the air beautifully — even waving is satisfying.
52
Tumble and Name
How to Play
1Set up gym mats for safe rolling.
2Children roll across the mat like a log.
3At the end of the mat, name a flashcard word.
4Run back and tag the next person.
5First team to complete all rolls wins.
Teacher TipLog rolling is deeply satisfying and excellent for core strength.
53
Flashcard Wave
How to Play
1Children stand in lines facing the board.
2Teacher shows a flashcard — first child in each line races to slap it.
3First to slap correctly names the word aloud.
4That child goes to the back of the line.
5First line to complete ten rounds wins.
Teacher TipSlapping the card is irresistible for energetic children.
54
Balloon Pop Name
How to Play
1Hang balloons from the ceiling or hold them in the air.
2Children jump to pop a balloon.
3When a balloon pops, name the vocabulary word on the balloon.
4Count how many words the class names correctly.
5All poppers earn a balloon pop badge.
Teacher TipSupervision required — adult must manage balloon safety.
55
Hoop Jump In Out
How to Play
1Place three hoops on the floor — in, on, out.
2Teacher calls IN — children stand inside a hoop.
3Teacher calls OUT — children step out.
4Teacher calls ON — children stand with one foot in the hoop.
5Wrong position means three jumps and try again.
Teacher TipIn, on, out — prepositions learned through doing.
56
Team Flag Race
How to Play
1Each team has a flag at the far end.
2First child runs, touches the correct flashcard, runs back and waves the flag.
3Next child goes.
4First team to finish all players wins.
5All runners earn a flag runner badge.
Teacher TipWaving the flag is the reward — all children love it.
57
Mirror Move Game
How to Play
1Partners face each other.
2One partner is the leader — they move slowly.
3The partner is the mirror and copies every movement.
4Teacher shows a flashcard — both partners do the same action for that word.
5Best mirror pairs earn a teamwork badge.
Teacher TipMirroring builds observation skills and physical coordination.
58
Sound It Out Jump
How to Play
1Teacher sounds out a word: /c/ /a/ /t/ — children blend and say: cat!
2After blending, children jump that many times.
3Try /d/ /o/ /g/ — dog! How many jumps? THREE!
4Most energetic jumper leads the next round.
5The whole class jumps together — no one is out.
Teacher TipBlending sounds and jumping burns energy while building phonemic awareness.
59
Red Light Green Light
How to Play
1Draw a finish line across the gym.
2Children move toward the finish line on GREEN LIGHT.
3Teacher shows GREEN LIGHT — go! YELLOW LIGHT — slow! RED LIGHT — FREEZE!
4Moving on red light means going back to the start.
5First to reach the finish line wins.
Teacher TipRed light green light builds self-control — one of the most important skills.
60
Memory Match Move
How to Play
1Place 10 flashcards face-down in two rows.
2Two children turn over two cards at a time.
3If they match, name the word and keep the pair.
4If they do not match, turn them back over.
5The pair with the most matches at the end wins.
Teacher TipMemory match combined with movement doubles the memory effect.
61
March and Name
How to Play
1Play a marching song.
2Children march around the gym in a big line.
3When music stops, teacher holds up a flashcard.
4Children freeze AND name the word before marching again.
5The longest march with the fewest mistakes wins.
Teacher TipMarching together creates a sense of unity and shared purpose.
62
Beanbag Balance Head
How to Play
1Each child places a beanbag on their head.
2Walk from one end of the gym to the other without it falling.
3If it falls, pick it up and start again.
4First to reach the finish line wins.
5All finishers earn a balance star.
Teacher TipBeanbag balancing builds core strength and concentration.
63
Splash and Name
How to Play
1Set up a water tray with plastic animals.
2Splash your hand in the water and say a vocabulary word.
3Name five words before the splash dries.
4Count your words together: one, two, three, four, five!
5Everyone earns a splash badge.
Teacher TipWater play is the most calming activity for active children.
64
Obstacle Course Pass
How to Play
1Build an obstacle course children navigate one at a time.
2Each child navigates the course, stops at each station, names the flashcard.
3Time each attempt — beat your personal best.
4Fastest improvement earns an obstacle champion badge.
5All children who complete the course earn a finisher star.
Teacher TipPhysical challenges with vocabulary are doubly effective.
65
Throw and Name
How to Play
1Set up a target on the floor or wall.
2Child throws a soft ball at the target.
3Name a flashcard before throwing.
4If it hits the target, score a point.
5First to five points wins.
Teacher TipThrowing at targets improves hand-eye coordination.
66
Simon Says Story
How to Play
1Teacher starts a story using action words.
2Children do the actions only when preceded by SIMON SAYS.
3Simon says: jump like a frog! Simon says: hop like a bunny!
4Children who move without Simon says do three jumps.
5Most attentive child becomes the next Simon.
Teacher TipStories with action words make vocabulary come alive.
67
Circle Jump Over
How to Play
1Children stand in a circle.
2One child rolls a soft ball along the floor toward the centre.
3Children jump over the rolling ball as it comes toward them.
4Name a vocabulary word every time you jump.
5Most jumps with correct naming earns a jump star.
Teacher TipJumping over a rolling ball is exciting and never boring.
68
Ball Bounce Zigzag
How to Play
1Set up cones in a zigzag.
2Child bounces a ball while navigating through the cones.
3At each cone, name a flashcard word.
4Fastest correct completion wins.
5All who try earn a zigzag badge.
Teacher TipBouncing while dodging is excellent for coordination.
69
Team Sorting Race
How to Play
1Scatter mixed coloured objects on a table.
2Teacher calls a colour — teams race to collect all objects of that colour.
3First team with the most correct objects wins the round.
4Play three rounds with three different colours.
5Most rounds won wins the game.
Teacher TipSorting races combine physical movement with colour vocabulary.
70
Partner Jump Count
How to Play
1Partners stand side by side.
2Teacher calls a number — partners count their jumps together.
3Five jumps: ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE!
4Partners try to match each other's jump count.
5Best jumping pair earns a jump badge.
Teacher TipJumping together builds leg strength and timing.
71
Flashcard Swat
How to Play
1Stick flashcards on the walls around the gym.
2Teacher calls a word — children race to swat the correct card.
3First to swat correctly earns a point for their team.
4Wrong card means running back and letting the next player try.
5First team to 15 points wins.
Teacher TipSwatting is irresistible fun — but no touching others!
72
Cup Stack Sprint
How to Play
1Give each team 10 paper cups.
2First child runs, builds a tower of cups, runs back.
3Next child knocks down the tower and runs back.
4First team to complete build-and-knock three times wins.
5Neatest tower and fastest knock-down both earn bonus points.
Teacher TipBuilding and knocking down is always satisfying.
73
Animal Walk Stop
How to Play
1Children walk around the gym as different animals.
2Teacher calls an animal — children become that animal.
3Teacher calls STOP — everyone freezes.
4Teacher shows a flashcard — frozen children name the word.
5The most creative animal walker leads the next round.
Teacher TipAnimal walks burn energy and build vocabulary simultaneously.
74
Rhythm Clap Name
How to Play
1Teacher claps a rhythm — children echo it back.
2Add a vocabulary word to the rhythm and clap again.
3Each correct word earns a clap from the whole class.
4How many words can the class clap in a row?
5Most rhythmic class earns a rhythm badge.
Teacher TipRhythm activities build pattern recognition and memory.
75
Touch the Flashcard
How to Play
1Stick flashcards on walls, floor, and furniture around the gym.
2Teacher calls a word — children sprint to touch that card.
3First to touch correctly names the word aloud.
4Wrong touch means running back to start and trying again.
5First to correctly name five words wins.
Teacher TipPhysical touch combined with naming makes the word stick.
76
Crab Walk Name
How to Play
1Children walk on hands and feet like crabs.
2Teacher shows a flashcard — children name the word while crab walking.
3First to reach the finish line while naming wins.
4Class counts how many crabs cross the finish line.
5Most creative crab walker leads the next round.
Teacher TipCrab walking builds upper body strength and is always hilarious.
77
Flashcard Shadowing
How to Play
1Teacher holds up a flashcard and does an action.
2Children copy the action and say the word.
3Teacher increases the speed each round.
4Slowest or wrongest child does three jumps.
5Most attentive child earns a shadow master badge.
Teacher TipShadowing builds listening skills and physical memory together.
78
Skipping Rope Name
How to Play
1Give each child a short skipping rope.
2Children skip rope while naming vocabulary words.
3If the rope stops, name a word and keep going.
4Most words named in one minute wins.
5Class counts skips together: one, two, three...
Teacher TipSkipping while naming is a triple cognitive challenge — excellent!
79
Balance Board Spin
How to Play
1Children stand on a balance board or low beam.
2Teacher shows a flashcard — children name the word and spin 360 degrees.
3If they step off, start again from the beginning.
4First to complete three spins with correct naming wins.
5All who try earn a balance spinner badge.
Teacher TipBalance and spin challenges deepen focus dramatically.
80
Puppet Walk Name
How to Play
1Give each child a soft toy or puppet.
2Children walk like their puppet while naming words.
3Teacher calls STOP — puppets freeze.
4Teacher shows a card — children name the word with their puppet voice.
5Most animated puppet earns a performance badge.
Teacher TipPuppets bring joy and reduce self-consciousness in naming.
81
Shuttle Run Shout
How to Play
1Set up a shuttle run course with a cone at each end.
2First child runs to cone one, names a word, runs to cone two, names another word, runs back.
3Next child goes. First team to finish all players wins.
4All runners earn a shuttle shout badge.
5Winning team earns a champion ribbon.
Teacher TipShuttle runs burn maximum energy and build speed.
82
Standing Balance Name
How to Play
1Children stand on one leg.
2Teacher shows a flashcard — name the word while balancing.
3Switch legs — name another word.
4Longest balance with correct naming wins.
5All who try earn a balance champion star.
Teacher TipSingle-leg balance builds concentration and core strength.
83
Partner Carry Name
How to Play
1One partner carries the other on their back across the gym.
2Halfway, stop and hold up a flashcard — both partners name the word together.
3Switch roles on the way back.
4First pair to complete both runs wins.
5All pairs earn a teamwork badge.
Teacher TipCarrying a partner builds trust and requires full-body coordination.
84
Flashcard Trail Walk
How to Play
1Place flashcards in a trail around the gym.
2Children step over each card and name the word they step over.
3First to reach the end of the trail without missing a word wins.
4Class does the trail together — count steps and words.
5Most careful walker earns a trailblazer badge.
Teacher TipStepping on cards while naming creates a physical memory trace.
85
Cone Knock Down Race
How to Play
1Set up 10 cones in a row.
2Children sprint and kick each cone down one by one.
3After knocking all cones down, sprint back.
4First to finish wins.
5All who try earn a cone knockout badge.
Teacher TipKnocking down cones is pure kinetic joy at any age.
86
Teacher Says Jump
How to Play
1Teacher calls a number — children jump that many times while naming a word.
2Teacher calls a body part — children touch it and name a word.
3Teacher calls an animal sound — children make the sound and name a word.
4Most attentive jumper earns a listening star.
5Class tries to reach 30 correct responses in a row.
Teacher TipMixed commands keep children alert and burn maximum energy.
87
Hoop Spin Name
How to Play
1Children spin a hula hoop around their waist.
2While spinning, name a vocabulary word.
3When the hoop falls, pick it up, name another word, and spin again.
4Most words named in one minute wins.
5All spinners earn a hula hero badge.
Teacher TipHula hoop spinning strengthens core and coordination simultaneously.
88
Ball Roll and Run
How to Play
1Child rolls a ball from one end of the gym.
2The child chases the ball — when it stops, name the nearest flashcard.
3Kick the ball again — name the next word.
4First to reach the opposite wall while naming wins.
5All runners earn a ball chaser badge.
Teacher TipChasing a ball you are also controlling is deeply engaging.
89
Partner Wheelbarrow Walk
How to Play
1One child holds the legs of a partner who walks on their hands.
2Halfway, teacher shows a flashcard — both partners name it together.
3Switch roles — the walker becomes the holder.
4First pair to complete both ways wins.
5All pairs earn a wheelbarrow warrior badge.
Teacher TipWheelbarrow walking is hilarious and builds tremendous arm strength.
90
Basket Roll Pass
How to Play
1Children stand in two lines facing each other, arms out.
2Roll a ball down the line — each child names a word as the ball passes them.
3If the ball is dropped, start again from the beginning.
4How far can the ball travel while the class names words?
5Beat the class record together.
Teacher TipRolling in a line teaches teamwork and sequential memory.
91
Dance Partner Name
How to Play
1Partners hold hands and dance together.
2When music stops, teacher shows a flashcard.
3Both partners say the word and do one joint action — a jump, a spin, a clap.
4Most creative duo earns a dance champion badge.
5All dancers earn a groove badge.
Teacher TipDancing with a partner builds social confidence alongside vocabulary.
92
Number Hopscotch Name
How to Play
1Draw a hopscotch grid with numbers.
2Child hops on each square, naming a flashcard word on each landing.
3Skip a number — name a word — keep hopping.
4Most consecutive correct names wins.
5All hoppers earn a hopscotch hero badge.
Teacher TipHopscotch builds balance, number sense, and vocabulary simultaneously.
93
Balloon Keep Up
How to Play
1Children keep a balloon in the air by hitting it with any body part.
2Name a vocabulary word every time you hit the balloon.
3Balloon touches the floor — that child does three jumps and rejoins.
4Most words named before the balloon touches the floor wins.
5All hitters earn a balloon badge.
Teacher TipKeeping a balloon up while naming is a joyful multi-task challenge.
94
Cone Tag Freeze
How to Play
1One child is IT and carries a cone.
2IT tags another child by tapping their shoulder with the cone.
3Both children freeze — the tagger shows a flashcard to the tagged child.
4Tagged child names the word and both run back to the start line.
5First back earns a point for their team.
Teacher TipTag games are always high energy — vocabulary is a happy byproduct.
95
Flashcard Treasure Hunt
How to Play
1Hide flashcards around the playground or gym.
2Children search for cards in pairs.
3When a pair finds a card, both name the word aloud.
4Collect as many cards as possible — count your treasure together.
5Most treasure found earns a treasure hunter badge.
Teacher TipSearching together builds teamwork and vocabulary recall simultaneously.
96
Standing Jump Name
How to Play
1Children stand side by side in a line.
2Teacher calls a word — children jump forward as high as possible and name the word.
3Land, jump again, name another word.
4Most energetic jumpers lead the next round.
5All jumpers earn a sky-high badge.
Teacher TipVertical jumping burns energy and builds explosive power.
97
Balloon Sit and Name
How to Play
1Children sit on balloons without letting them pop.
2While sitting, name vocabulary words from flashcards.
3If the balloon pops, get a new balloon and keep naming.
4Most words named while sitting earns a sitting star badge.
5All sitters earn a balance badge.
Teacher TipSitting on balloons requires core strength and focus simultaneously.
98
Triangle Pass Name
How to Play
1Children form triangles of three, holding hands.
2Pass a soft ball around the triangle — each child names a word.
3If the ball is dropped, start again.
4How many words can each triangle name in one minute?
5Fastest triangle earns a triangle champion badge.
Teacher TipTriangle formations build group cohesion and trust.
99
Gym Circuit Name
How to Play
1Set up five stations around the gym: jump, hop, run, stretch, spin.
2At each station, a flashcard is placed.
3Children move through all five stations, naming the word at each one.
4Time how fast they complete the circuit.
5Fastest finisher earns a circuit champion badge.
Teacher TipCircuit training with vocabulary is the ultimate multi-task challenge.
100
Champion Circle Clap
How to Play
1All children stand in a big circle.
2Teacher points to a child — they step forward, name a flashcard word, and do an action.
3The class claps the rhythm of the action.
4Next child steps forward — new word, new action.
5The class claps the new rhythm. Continue until everyone has had a turn.
Teacher TipEnding with a clap-o-rama builds class spirit and celebrates vocabulary mastery.