Button You Must Wander

Today was the first day back for 1st grade music after Winter Break. I like to play a version of Hot/Cold with them as it is fun and easy. Or so I think it should be. As we sing "Button you must wander," we pass a button around the circle while one child stands away from us, facing away with eyes closed. When the song ends one person has the button while everyone pretends to hide the button in their hands. The one child comes over and we start singing. The louder we sing, the closer the seeker is to the person with the button. They get three guesses, and when they pick the correct person, they trade places and play begins again.

I was surprised last year at how difficult that concept was for some children who wander around the circle looking lost no matter how loud or quiet we sing. No different this year. I encourage the teachers to play this game in the classroom for reinforcement.