Cold Weather Activities

When: Chilly or cold. Emphasize warm-ups, continuous movement, layers, and quick indoor fallback.

• High-energy warm-up games (tag, chase, jumping jacks series)
• Continuous movement activities (circuits, follow-the-leader with big motions)
• Indoor alternatives ready (gym or classroom movement)
• Layer-friendly games (easy on/off clothing, no heavy equipment)
• Hot chocolate / warm-up reward discussions (character tie-in)
• Partner or small-group movement challenges to stay warm together
• Locomotor-heavy tag or relay variations
• Quick high-intensity bursts followed by active recovery

Sample 5E Lesson: High-Energy Movement Circuits / Tag (Cold Day)

• 🔥 Engage: Hook activity - "Brrr! Let's warm up!" silly shivering-to-jumping demo; show excitement for generating our own heat through fun movement.
• 🔍 Explore: Hands-on discovery - Students try big locomotor patterns (high knees, arm circles) and simple tag in small groups; explore how movement creates warmth.
• 📖 Explain: Teach concepts - Demonstrate warm-up sequence, layer management, when to come in; explain TEKS (locomotor/safety), character (perseverance + preparation), body science basics.
• 🚀 Elaborate: Apply/extend - Full high-energy circuit or tag game with continuous movement emphasis and built-in warm-up stations; leadership for "warm-up captains"; cross-curricular health/science on circulation.
• ✅ Evaluate: Assess learning - Observe energy level, proper layering effort, and cooperation; reflection "how did moving help us stay warm and positive?"; TEKS/character mastery.