The ROCKET game!

Rating

Elementary, No prep, Active

How to Play

This is for the small kids, who are just learning how to count in English. It's very simple but surprisingly popular! Have all the kids stand up, with their hands coming to a point over their heads like a rocket ship. Then you lead them in counting down from ten to zero, crouching a little lower with each number. (If you pace yourself right, you should be curled up squatting on the floor on "one.") Then, on zero, everyone launches themselves into the air. I usually should "Blastoff!" with this, although any enthusiastic vocalization is fine.

How to Use

The first time I used this, I had intended it as a side diversion and an introduction to counting backwards, before moving on to another activity. However, the kids asked for repeat after repeat, until it had taken up the rest of the class! This is a good way to introduce "zero," which many kids don't know even if they can count to ten, and also as a good reminder that English numbers are numbers. It's a bit depressing how many students, even up through junior high, can only recall a number in English by counting to it.

Notes

Keep an eye out for students with disabilities and look for ways allowing them to participate. I haven't had this problem yet, but giving them something to launch, such as a soft ball, could work. The stepped crouching can make this game a good workout for your legs, and for the students part of the fun is definitely watching you squat down. So do make sure that you get active and lead the game; it's all part of the ALT imperative to clown around in the name of internationalization!

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