Beans!

This energetic movement game encourages your child to celebrate differences by exploring lots of contrasting actions, characters and movement styles.

It helps children understand that variety makes things more exciting and interesting.

How to play

1. Introduce the idea

Tell your child about Benjamin's Marvellous Magic Beans and explain that the exciting thing about them is that every bean is different.

Discuss how boring it would be if every sweet were exactly the same.

2. Teach the bean actions

Introduce different bean commands and matching actions.

For example:

Runner Bean = Run on the spot
Jelly Bean = Wobble like jelly
Green Bean = Pretend to vomit
French Bean = Say "Ooh la la!"
Jumping Bean = Jump up and down
Broad Bean = Make your body really wide
Baked Bean = Fan yourself because it is hot
Has Bean = Say "Do you know who I am?!"

3. Begin the game

Call out different beans while your child moves around the room.

4. Encourage expression

Encourage your child to use their whole body, face and voice when performing each bean.

5. Increase the pace

Gradually speed up the commands as your child becomes more confident.

What it teaches

Listening and concentration
Confidence and expression
Creativity and imagination
Quick reactions
Celebrating differences
Coordination and movement control

Variations to try

Take turns calling out the beans.
Ask your child to invent their own bean and matching action.
See how many bean actions your child can remember.
Speed up the commands for an extra challenge.
Add a "Freeze Bean" where your child has to stop completely still.

Principal's notes

Children love the silliness and variety of this activity. Encourage bold character choices and exaggerated physicality. The game naturally reinforces the theme that differences are exciting and valuable because every bean brings something different to the game.

Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.