I talk about the gods, I am an atheist. But I am an artist too, and therefore a liar. Distrust everything I say. I am telling the truth.

Ursla Le Guin (1929-2018)

The Left Hand of Darkness, 1969

Tickle Time!

Target:

various (being silly)

Age:

toddlers and young children

Duration:

up to 5 minutes

Class Size:

any

Energy Level:

high - usually energises a group

Type:

make believe activity

Equipment:

big soft dice, whiteboard, timer

fun
energetic
exercise
humour

Write up 6 'times' on the board and number them. For example:

sleeping time
sneezing time
jumping time
hopping time
dancing time
tickling time

Number 6 is always tickling time (hence the name). Set the timer as desired and start.

Someone rolls the dice and everyone does the activity indicated. After a little of that roll the dice again. Play until the buzzer goes or everyone is tired.

Note

teachers who are very strict about phonics and what written English children in their classes are exposed to it may like to prepare flashcards of the activites rather than writing them up on the board. The advantage of writing them is that it's possible to get children to come up with suggestions on the spot.