Lead the play
Pre-primary
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
1. Explain that children will get a chance to be leaders today.
2. Tell children that leaders will choose actions and the class will follow.
NORMS (30 seconds):
1. Take turns leading.
2. Listen to the leader.
3. Play safely.
More Pep-up Options
2/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
You Go First!
Age Group
Ages 3-5
Session Intention
Children take small leadership roles in familiar games and begin to guide their friends.
Materials Needed
• Pyramid Rings (2)
• Alphabet - Big & Small (1)
• Animal Pairs (1)
• Numbers floor puzzle (1)
• Hungry Four Animals (1)
• Caterpillar Clutter (1)
• Pairs - memory game (1)
• Cover the Shadow (1)
Classroom Arrangement
1. No special setup. Choose familiar games children already know.
2. Whole class plays together; the child-leader stands at the front or in the aisle.
3. Pick 1-2 willing leaders quietly at the start.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Play Time (~25-28 minutes)
START PLAY:
1. Start with a familiar whole-class game that children have played before.
Example Games: Bholu Says, Animal Movements, Name and Action, Guess the character
2. Invite one child at a time to become the leader.
3. The leader chooses an action, movement, or sound for the class to copy.
4. After 1–2 minutes, invite a new leader.
5. Continue through various games till several children have had a chance to lead.
6. If time remains, ask several children to form groups in the class and distribute games to each group to play.
YOUR ROLE DURING PLAY:
1. Encourage leaders to speak loudly and show actions clearly.
2. Help children if they are unsure what to do.
3. Ensure many children get a chance to lead.
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. If a child is shy, invite them to lead with a friend.
2. If the class is confused, briefly repeat the instructions and return leadership to the child.
What You May Notice
1. Leadership at this age is often very short-lived. That is fine.
2. Some children lead in unexpected ways - a child who organises the materials is also leading.
3. Children often enforce rules more strictly than adults when they are in charge. That is normal
3/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Closing (~3-5 minutes)
1. Gather children in a circle or at their desks.
2.Ask which children got a chance to be leaders today.
3. Invite 2–3 children to share how it felt to lead a game or activity.
4. Appreciate all children for taking turns and following their friends' ideas.
5. Pack up the materials if used.
Try Next Time
1. Give leaders a small symbol, a sticker or coloured band to help them feel official.
2. Gradually reduce your involvement each time.