No Materials
Grades 1-2
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
PEP-UP: Shake It Out (2-3 min)
1. Shake right hand 5 seconds, left hand, right foot, left foot, then the whole body.
2. End with one big shake.
NORMS (30 seconds):
- When I say Hi, you say hello.
- Wait for your turn. Be kind, no teasing. Play safely.
More Pep-up Options
2/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
Fast and Funny
Age Group
Ages 6-8
Session Intention
Children play quick no-material games that need fast thinking and some teamwork.
Materials Needed
No materials needed.
Classroom Arrangement
1. No materials, so no setup needed.
2. Clear the area between benches for movement. Children stand near their benches.
3. Wink Murder and Four Corners use the whole class together.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Play Time (~25-28 minutes)
GAME 1 - Zip Zap Zop (8 min)
1. Children stand at their desks
2. Pick one child to point to someone and say ZIP.
3. That child points to someone else and says ZAP.
4. That child points to someone else and says ZOP.
5. Do this quickly. Anyone who hesitates or makes the wrong move sits for 1 round.
5. Play until 4-5 children are left. 2 rounds total.
GAME 2 - Four Corners (8 min)
1. Tell children to secretly choose a number between 1 and 4 using their fingers hidden on their lap or desk.
2. Count 1... 2... 3... Show! Everyone shows their chosen number.
3. The facilitator closes eyes and calls a number from 1–4.
Children showing that number are "out" for the round and become audience members.
4. The remaining children choose a new number and play again.
5. Continue until 4–5 children remain.
GAME 3 - Wink Murder (8 min)
1. One child is the Detective. They go outside or close their eyes.
2. You silently choose a Murderer from the remaining children.
3. The Detective comes back. The Murderer winks at other children, who must "die" slowly and dramatically.
4. The Detective has 3 guesses to identify the Murderer.
5. Play multiple rounds with different children as Detective and Murderer.
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. Children don't understand Wink Murder - demonstrate one full round first.
2. Four Corners gets too loud - lower your own voice. Children follow.
What You May Notice
1.Children will start suggesting their own rule changes. Allow it - they are learning game design.
2. Some children are very competitive. That is fine. Help them channel it into the game.
3. Children will be energetic and loud. That is expected and healthy in this session.
3/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Closing (~3-5 minutes)
1. Tell the children to freeze like a statue - 5 4 4 2 1- Wait for full silence.
2. Ask - What was your favourite game today? - Take 2-3 answers.
3. Clap together to end.
Try Next Time
1. Let children suggest one new rule for a game they already played.
2. Play Wink Murder where 2 children are Murderers at the same time.
3. Try Zip Zap Zop with eyes closed - very difficult and funny.
4. Add a Forbidden Word to any game: no one can say that word for the whole session.