Whether you are a teacher managing a full classroom or a parent stuck inside on a rainy day, we all know the feeling. The kids have been sitting for too long, their attention spans are completely gone, and the wiggles have officially taken over.
When children have built-up energy, asking them to sit still and focus on a worksheet is a losing battle. They need to move their bodies!
But setting up a complicated obstacle course or starting a messy craft isn't always an option. You need a quick, structured indoor activity for kids that requires absolutely zero prep, zero supplies, and instantly channels their energy into something positive and fun.
Our CATERPILLAR SAYS... game is a fun, buggy twist on the classic game of Simon Says!
Instead of just telling kids to touch their toes, you get to lead them through a series of fun, imagination-building gross motor movements. When you say "Caterpillar says..." the children have to perform the action. If you don't say the magic words, they have to freeze!
It is the absolute perfect brain break. It takes five minutes, requires nothing but your voice and this printable list, and helps kids practice listening skills while moving their bodies.
We have put together a fantastic list of creative actions that will get your little ones stretching, crawling, and laughing. Here are just a few of our favorite commands from the game board:
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Wiggle like a Caterpillar
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Crawl low like a Caterpillar
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Stretch long like a Caterpillar
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Spin in place like a Caterpillar
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Pop up and down like a Caterpillar
The actions range from calming deep breaths to big, bouncy movements, making it a perfectly balanced gross motor activity.
Ready to get the wiggles out? We have this complete indoor activity ready for you to download absolutely free.
Just download the file, print out the single page, and keep it on your clipboard or fridge for whenever you need a quick brain break!
If your little learners love this bug-themed game, they will go crazy for a whole week of caterpillar fun! Instead of hunting down individual worksheets, we have put everything you need into one massive collection.
Our Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity Mega Bundle is packed with 50 pages of math, literacy, and fine motor fun inspired by the beloved Eric Carle book. From counting and tracing to fun crafts, it is the ultimate resource for a spring bug theme or a fun book study!
👉 Click here to get The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity Mega Bundle today!
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Our Monthly Crafted Membership (Preschool & Kindergarten Collection) gives you instant access to our entire library of high-quality, zero-prep games, learning binders, crafts, and worksheets. You get fresh, exciting educational activities every month for one low price, saving you hours of prep work so you can actually enjoy your weekends.
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What age is this game best for?
This game is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students (ages 3 to 7). The imaginative movements are very easy for young children to follow!
Do I need a large space to play this?
Not at all. While it is great for a gym or outdoor playground, these specific movements can be done right next to a student's desk or on a small living room rug. It is a true indoor activity!
How does this help with learning?
Movement games like this build crucial gross motor skills (balance, coordination, and muscle strength) while also practicing active listening, following directions, and self-control.
You don't need a perfectly planned lesson to help kids refocus. Sometimes, all they need is a few minutes to stretch, wiggle, and giggle before they are ready to learn again.
Download your free game sheet today, call out your first command, and watch the fun unfold!
👉 Take the stress out of teaching—Grab the Caterpillar Activity Mega Bundle here!