Executive function
Toddlers observe and describe the Orange Circle game of freeze.
Be Prepared: Cut a large circle from orange construction paper. Arrange for an adult to help you with the activity.
[Invite 4–6 toddlers to watch you freeze your body.]
Sometimes we play a game of freezing our body. Let’s remember what it means to freeze.
How do we freeze our body?
[Build on toddlers’ responses to describe how we stop what we are doing and hold our body still. Invite a toddler to demonstrate.]
I want to show you a freeze game that uses an orange circle. Our game is called Orange Circle. (Name of helper) is holding an orange circle.
I will clap my hands when I see the orange circle and (name of helper) says “orange circle.” I will freeze my arms and hands when I cannot see the orange circle.
I am going to watch the orange circle carefully. The orange circle tells me what to do.
[Demonstrate clapping your hands when the helper holds up the orange circle and says “orange circle.” Hold your arms and hands still when the helper puts the orange circle behind his/her back. You may wish to be silly with your clapping action but always watch the circle in this first demonstration. This should be a fun activity!]
I am going to practice playing Orange Circle one more time. Please watch me carefully. Let me know if I do not keep my eyes on the orange circle.
[Helper holds up orange circle and says “orange circle.” Clap your hands. After several seconds, pretend you are distracted by something in the room or are looking around the room while clapping. Helper puts the orange circle behind his/her back, but you continue to clap. Continue clapping and looking elsewhere until toddlers point out the orange circle is no longer visible; your arms and hands should be still.]
What did I forget to do? (watch orange circle)
Orange Circle is a fun game. Let’s remember how it works.
[Encourage toddlers to describe the game. Emphasize the importance of watching the orange circle. The helper does not say anything when the orange circle goes away. Also emphasize the importance of remembering what to do.]
Executive function
Toddlers participate in a game of Orange Circle.
Be Prepared: This activity is for toddlers who are familiar with the Orange Circle game through participation in Option 1 or a similar introduction. Cut a large circle from orange construction paper. Arrange for an adult to help you with the activity.
Invite 4–6 toddlers to play the Orange Circle game of freeze. Open the session by encouraging toddlers to describe how the game works (see Option 1). Build on their descriptions and emphasize the importance of watching the orange circle and remembering what to do when we see (clap) and do not see (freeze) the orange circle.
Lead toddlers in a round of the game by demonstrating the actions and offering verbal support as appropriate. Offer several more rounds in which you do not demonstrate actions. Provide verbal support if needed. Toddlers are not expected to clap in unison.
Conclude the activity by encouraging toddlers to describe their experiences. Emphasize the importance of paying attention and remembering what to do. Invite toddlers to tell what part of the game is hardest to do.
This simple game offers practice in important aspects of self-regulation: paying attention, remembering what to do, and holding arms and hands in a still position. Watch toddlers’ approaches to each of these tasks and offer verbal support or demonstrations as needed. This is one reason it is helpful to have another adult help with the activity, including Option 2.
The importance of watching the circle in Orange Circle differs from the importance of listening carefully to music in the Freeze Game offered in Block 9. Orange Circle includes an announcement as a supplement to the presentation of the circle. The absence of an announcement when the circle is hidden emphasizes the role of watching carefully.
Some toddlers will find it challenging to hold their arms and hands still. Positively acknowledge their efforts. To stop clapping when the orange circle disappears is a sign of good progress in developing the self-regulation skills promoted in this game.
You may find that a sitting position works best for toddlers in Option 2.
Extra support
Enrichment
Materials Needed: large orange circle
Invite several toddlers to play the Orange Circle game. Encourage toddlers to take turns holding up the orange circle and then placing it behind their back. Participate enthusiastically with the toddlers as they play the game.
Materials Needed: large orange circle
Invite older toddlers and preschool-age and older children to take turns managing the circle in Option 2. Babies and younger toddlers will enjoy watching children clap and then freeze.
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