Children work together to count from 1 to 10, taking turns without speaking out of order, which sharpens self-control and cooperative thinking.
It is a calming circle time activity that encourages group connection through shared effort and success.
1. Sit in a circle
Ask the children to gather in a circle on the floor, facing inwards.
2. Explain the challenge
Say to the group, "We're going to try something tricky... we're going to count from 1 to 10 as a group, but without taking turns!"
3. Start the game
One child begins by saying "1" out loud.
Then, anyone in the circle can say "2"... and so on, all the way to "10".
BUT, if two people say the same number at the same time, the whole group must start again from 1!
4. Try again and again
Celebrate when they get to 10. Then see if they can go higher or do it faster the next time.
This is such a beautifully quiet game that really builds awareness and teamwork. It can be surprisingly difficult, but incredibly satisfying when they succeed!
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
