Week 3: Where do I play games?
Weekly Focus
Children explore different environments where games are played, distinguishing between indoor and outdoor games, and identifying natural and built features of the environment. They develop spatial awareness and an appreciation for the wider environment.
Week at a Glance
- Identify indoor and outdoor game locations
- Distinguish between natural and built environments
- Develop spatial awareness vocabulary
- Explore games played in different environments
Weekly Overview
Theme
Where do I play games?
Focus Areas
- Indoor/outdoor spaces
- Natural/built environments
- Spatial awareness
- Environmental appreciation
Key Vocabulary
Exploring Game Environments
Daily Plans
Monday: Indoor vs. Outdoor Games
Daily schedule and activities
Morning Activity
Morning Circle: Discuss where we play games - indoors and outdoors
Literacy Focus
Read 'Pete the Cat Plays Hide and Seek' by Kimberly and James Dean
Math Focus
Create a graph of indoor vs. outdoor games
Afternoon Activity
Sort game pictures by where they are played (indoor/outdoor)
Materials Needed
- Pete the Cat book
- Game picture cards
- Sorting mats
- Graphing materials
- Chart paper
Assessment Notes
Observe students' ability to distinguish between indoor and outdoor game environments and their reasoning for classifications.
Featured Activities
Environment Scavenger Hunt
Students work in small groups to find items or features in different environments (classroom, playground, gym) using a picture checklist.
Duration
30 minutes
Materials
- Picture checklists
- Clipboards
- Pencils
- Digital camera (optional)
Learning Areas
Hot and Cold Game
One student hides an object while another student finds it using directional clues from classmates who say 'hotter' or 'colder' based on proximity.
Duration
20 minutes
Materials
- Small objects to hide
- Open space
- Optional blindfold
Learning Areas
Game Location Diorama
Students create small dioramas showing different environments where games are played (playground, gym, beach, etc.).
Duration
45 minutes
Materials
- Shoe boxes
- Construction paper
- Small figures
- Natural materials
- Craft supplies
Learning Areas
Shape Hunt Games
Students search for specific 2D and 3D shapes in natural and built environments, recording their findings on a chart.
Duration
25 minutes
Materials
- Shape cards
- Recording sheets
- Clipboards
- Pencils
- Digital camera (optional)
Learning Areas
Outdoor Learning Opportunities
Resources
Books
- "Pete the Cat Plays Hide and Seek" by Kimberly and James Dean
- "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen
- "The Gym Teacher from the Black Lagoon" by Mike Thaler
- "Playground Day!" by Jennifer Merz
- "The Outdoor Book" by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield
Printables
- Indoor/outdoor game sorting cards
- Natural/built environment picture cards
- Simple school map template
- Positional word cards
- Environment scavenger hunt sheets
Home Connection
Send home an activity sheet encouraging families to play games in different locations around their home and neighborhood. Include a simple recording sheet where children can draw or dictate where they played games.