PE Game: UNO Movement
Coming up with new, engaging PE lesson plans for the kids can be a challenge. Here’s a fun game to play with your class, Uno Movement.
My youngest PE classes love dancing and moving to music. I use music on a daily basis to add energy and enthusiasm. I want them to learn to enjoy taking care of their bodies. Music and games are a great way to make that happen!
Here is a fun and easy game that is great for a quick warm-up, time filler, or even a small space activity. After all there are times when you need something simple to do with your class. When that is the case, have your kids play Uno Movement!
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How to Play Uno Movement
To run this game, I use UNO cards, but any type of cards would do. It just helps if there are different colors or symbols to symbolize your chosen movements.
Explain to your class the assigned movement associated with each color. With my class we did:
- Red = squats
- Yellow = jump
- Blue = swim
- Green = slither like a snake
- Wild = free choice
Once you have explained the cards and movements, pass each student a card and have them move into their own space. They can spread out in the space.
When the music starts, they do the movement assigned to their card color. When the music stops, they freeze. I then call out “trade” and they trade cards for a new color. Repeat.
It’s that simple!
Why You Should Play Uno Movement with Your Class
I used this during the first week of school to practice freezing on signal. I made sure they were quiet and looking at me before we traded again. This made it a fun way to practice my rule of freezing when the music stops. My 1st and 2nd graders loved it!
My students really enjoy this game and it is easy always easy for me get going. A win win both ways!
So, give Uno Movement a try with your class. And share what other fun movements you come up with!
I love this idea! For my 1st and 2nd graders, I will hold the UNO Cards and will allow one scholar to pick the next UNO Card. When the music plays, they will perform the movement, when the music stops, they will freeze and I will pick a scholar to pick the next UNO Card. The UNO Cards will mean this, Red = Crab Walking | Yellow = Slither like a Snake | Blue = Swim in a Pool | Green = Jump like a Frog | Wild = Free Dance. My kiddos will do better performing the same move because if not, someone will get stepped on or bumped into because some will be moving slow, fast, and high and low in space. It will just decrease injury and will help teach our “Fairness” Character Pillar. My 3rd graders, I will have the scholar who picks the UNO Card pick an exercise or movement that everyone will perform for 30 seconds. This activity can easily progress into more collaborative group work, allow for critical thinking and by the end of the unit, be a formative assessment.
Love it! Thanks for sharing!