My name is Mark Roucka and I am a PE teacher at Lincoln Junior High School in Naperville, IL. “Head, Shoulders, Knees, Cone” is an activity I have done numerous times with my classes and received a number of positive reactions from both students and teachers. “Head, Shoulders, Knees, Cone” is a great warm up activity or can be used if you have some extra time in class. I’ve done this activity after fitness testing.

Grade Level: K-8

Skills: Reaction, color recognition and cardio

Equipment:

• Cones (1 per team)
• Scarfs/Bean Bags: 3 different colors (optional)

Game Description:

Have students stand across from a partner with a cone directly in between them. Students put their hands on the head, shoulders or knees when they are called. If they hear cone, they need to be the first one to grab it.

Variations: I received positive feedback from many teachers and they suggested a couple of variations. Put down three different color scarfs or bean bags and call out a color. This variation would be great for younger students. Another variation is when one of the students grabs the cone then must run to a designated side of the gym before the other students tags them.

Class Reactions: The students really seemed to enjoy this game. I constantly have students ask if we can do the “Cone” game.

Played some “Head, Shoulders, Knees, Toes and Cone” after our fitness testing. #together203 #PhysEd pic.twitter.com/zrJPiEnuP1

— Mark Roucka 🇺🇸 (@dr_roucka) August 27, 2019

About the Author: 

Mark Roucka is a Physical Education/Health teacher in Naperville, IL. He also coaches cross country and track. Mark currently lives in the western suburbs of Chicago, IL with his wife Sue and our three children Jacob, Grace and Josh. This is Mark’s 20th year as a P.E. teacher, but he has also taught high school chemistry for seven years. Mark received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Illinois State University and enjoys running and walking his dogs.

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Try this variation with scarves!

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes progressions while catching the scarves. #PhysEd pic.twitter.com/e96uYBBkB2

— Christine Mason (@LPESVB) February 23, 2022