By pretending to go shopping, children practise focus, coordination and decision-making while having fun moving around the room.
1. Set up the shops
Ask the children to choose one corner of the room, run to it and name it the Clothes Shop. Repeat with a second corner as the Bakery, then the Sweet Shop and the Greengrocers.
Explain what kinds of items are sold in each shop.
2. Introduce the shopping list
Tell the children you are going shopping and will call out items from your list.
3. Run to the correct shop
When an item is called, the children must run to the shop where that item would be sold. For example, when you call out "Bread loaves!" they must run to the Bakery corner.
4. Boogie time
At any point, shout "Boogie!" and everyone must stop and dance.
5. Continue the game
Repeat calling items and "Boogie!" moments for as long as you like, keeping energy and fun high.
This joyful listening game keeps children physically engaged while sharpening their ability to respond quickly and accurately. The playful shop theme makes it accessible and fun, while the surprise "Boogie" moments keep energy high.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
