A great game to get Tamariki physically active, while promoting listening skills.

Below is a list of actions that can be used for Captains Coming. Start with a couple of actions and build up to more over time.

Maui – left

Matua – right

Mua – forward

Muri – back

Compas directions

• Tai tokerau – North
• Tai tonga – South
• Tai rawhiti – East
• Tai hauaru – West

Peke – jump on the spot

Peke whetu – star jump on the spot

Huri huri – turn on the spot

Karoro – seagull

Piki – climb

Horoi – clean

Takahia – stomp

Hikoi – march/walk

Piu – skip

Oma – run

Hitoki – hop

Pukana – poke your tongue out.

Add in other actions based around what your Tamariki are learning.

Goal 

To touch the cone first when you hear the leader say “cone” 

Set Up 

Create a straight line of cones (one cone for every two players in the group). 

On either side of the cones, create two lines of players. Each cone should sit on the ground in between a pair of students who are facing each other. 

How to Play 

To start the game, the leader calls out one of three instructions  

“Head,” “Shoulders,” or “Knees” 

Players respond by placing both hands on the named body part 

The leader continues to call out one of the three instructions in a varying order, before giving the last instruction, “Cone!” 

Players then race to grab the cone, the first player to grab the cone wins.  

To encourage new partners and relationships, after calling “Cone” the leader can have players rotate by asking everyone from one line to move down one cone to face a new partner. The player at the end of the line would then move to the front. 

Variations 

Players can play either standing, sitting with legs crossed or in the prone hold position. 

Add more body parts eg Toes, Head, Ears 

Create your own instructions to replace head, shoulder, and knee instructions. 

Speed up the pace that students receive instructions. 

See in action

English 

Te Reo

A fun, interactive counting game in support Tamariki learning to count in Te Reo