Frame-Up Relay Large Motor Game

Lesson 217 • By Paula Diekhoff (Expanded Version)
Grade Level: Preschool

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Participate in a large motor relay activity.

  • Use facial expressions to show a variety of feelings.

  • Develop turn-taking, teamwork, and gross motor coordination.

  • Strengthen emotional vocabulary by identifying and describing emotions.

  • Practice imagination and self-expression.

Materials

  • 2 sturdy chairs

  • 2 empty picture frames (no glass/backing)
    or cardboard frames made from cut poster board

  • Open space for running

  • Optional: Feelings cards (happy, sad, silly, surprised, angry, tired, excited)

Safety Note: Ensure frames have smooth edges—wood or cardboard works best.

Activity Setup

  1. Place the two chairs on opposite sides of the play area.

  2. Put one picture frame on each chair.

  3. Divide children into two teams, lined up behind a start line.

‍♂️ Step-by-Step Activity

1. First Players Run

At the signal (“Go!”), the first child from each team runs to their team’s chair.

2. Make a Face

Child picks up the frame, sits, and holds it around their face like a portrait.
They “make a face” — this could be:

  • Happy

  • Silly

  • Sad

  • Mad

  • Surprised

  • Sleepy

  • Scared

  • Excited

Encourage BIG facial expressions.

3. Return & Tag the Next Player

Child places the frame back on the chair, runs to their team, and tags the next player.

4. Continue Until All Children Have a Turn

Celebrate when both teams finish — no winners, just fun movement and expression.

✨ Game Variations

1. Guess the Feeling (SEL Version)

Before sitting, the teacher quietly hands the child an emotion card.
The child must act that emotion inside the frame.
Classmates guess:

  • “I think you’re excited!”

  • “You look sad.”

Great for vocabulary building.

2. Feelings Freeze

After making a face, the teacher calls “Freeze!”
Everyone stops and copies that expression.

3. Slow-Motion Relay

Have children move:

  • In slow motion

  • Tiptoeing

  • Hopping

  • Sideways like crabs

  • Marching like soldiers

Still end with a picture-frame pose.

4. “Silly Portrait Gallery”

Take photos of each child holding the frame.
Display as a “Feelings Gallery” on the wall.

5. Costume Props

Add simple things:

  • A scarf

  • A hat

  • Funny glasses

  • A feather boa

Children choose one prop and make a themed face.

️ SEL (Social–Emotional Learning) Discussion

After the game, gather students to talk about emotions.

Prompts:

  • “What face was easy for you to make?”

  • “What face was tricky?”

  • “When do you feel surprised?”

  • “What helps you when you feel sad?”

This helps connect expressions to real feelings.

Cleanup Tips

  • Stack frames and chairs.

  • Make a designated “run path” so kids aren’t bumping into each other.

Assessment 

Look for whether each child:

  • Participates in the relay

  • Demonstrates a range of facial expressions

  • Understands basic emotion words

  • Takes turns and follows directions

 

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