Fall is the perfect time to bring seasonal themes into your daily routine—and what better way to play and move than pretending to be a wobbly, silly scarecrow?
This Scarecrow Movement Game is a simple gross motor activity that gets toddlers up and moving while building body awareness, listening skills, and creativity. It’s part of our October play-based curriculum where we bring learning to life through movement, pretend play, and sensory exploration.
Why This Game Works
Toddlers learn through movement. They build coordination, balance, and strength long before they can sit still and focus. Pretend play gives them the freedom to express emotions, follow directions, and build confidence—all while having fun.
This activity combines the imaginative world of scarecrows with movement prompts your child will love acting out.
What You’ll Need
- Open indoor or outdoor space
- Optional music player
- Optional props (just for fun):
- Flannel shirt
- Scarf or hat
- Gloves or straw
How to Play the Scarecrow Movement Game
- Set the Scene
Tell your child, “Today, we’re going to pretend to be silly scarecrows standing in the cornfield!” - Demonstrate a Few Moves
Start by modeling these movements:- Freeze like a scarecrow (arms out, stiff body)
- Sway in the wind (gentle stretching or wiggling)
- Scare away the birds (make loud silly noises!)
- Fall down like a tired scarecrow (safely fall onto a soft mat or carpet)
- Add Music or Call-Out Prompts
Play some upbeat music and randomly pause it for a “Freeze like a scarecrow!” moment.
Or try calling out instructions like “Show me a sleepy scarecrow!” or “Scarecrow blowing in the wind!” - Switch Roles
Let your child become the caller. This empowers them to lead and boosts confidence and language development.
Learning Through Play
This activity supports multiple areas of development:
- Gross Motor Skills – Jumping, stretching, and balancing
- Listening Skills – Following instructions and responding quickly
- Imaginative Play – Building storytelling and creativity
- Emotional Expression – Act out feelings like sleepy, silly, or excited
Keep It Fun and Flexible
There’s no right or wrong way to play this game. It can last 5 minutes or 25. You can do it in pajamas or full scarecrow costume. The goal is simple: get moving and connect through pretend play.
💡 Pro Tip: Play right before a nap or quiet time to help little ones regulate their energy after some big movement!