- By Eden
- Salley
Bear and Dragon: A Fun Activity for Building Executive Function Skills at Home
Activity Title: Bear and Dragon
Flex those brain skills in a dramatic game with real character! In this game, Bear and Dragon stop by to play an alternate version of “Follow the Leader”. Your child has to choose whether or not to follow Bear and Dragon’s requests based on the rules presented.
Objective: This activity helps children practice how to remember and follow rules, as well as switch between different sets of rules.
Executive Function Skills Practiced:
- Working memory: Children tap into working memory to respond (or not respond!) based on which puppet (Bear or Dragon) is in play.
- Inhibitory control: All levels of play keep children focused on responding appropriately to the commands from each puppet. Children are encouraged to stay still and only imitate the actions of the puppet they have been told to follow.
- Cognitive flexibility: In higher levels of the game, children must switch between sets of rules when the puppets change roles with little or no modeling.
Duration: 10 – 15 Minutes
Materials List:
- Puppets or Stuffed Animals (Bear and Dragon can be substituted by any other two distinctly different stuffed animals–just make sure your child can tell one from the other!)
- Character cut-outs on sticks (as alternatives)
- Medium-sized room with a clear space on the floor
Game Levels and Step-by-Step Instructions
- For the first round, choose the right level of play based on your child’s age (see levels below).
- Consider providing visual cues if your child has difficulty switching between rules.
- Model correct responses to set your child up for success!
Before you play, say:
“This is my friend Bear! I told Bear you were a REALLY good listener and he came to play a game with us! He’s going to tell you silly things to do and you are going to move your body the way Bear tells you to. Sometimes it can be hard to keep your body from wiggling and moving around, so for this game, you are going to hide your hands under your legs/ clasp your hands together to help you remember to stay still and listen to Bear.”
- Game Level 1 – Sit and Follow Bear: (2-3 years)
- Have your child sit facing you.
- Introduce Bear puppet and explain the game rules.
- Bear leads your child through actions, and they imitate.
- Encourage your child to hide their hands under their legs/clasp them together to help them remember to stay still and listen to Bear.
- Game Level 2 – Sit and Don’t Follow Dragon: (3-4 years)
- Have your child sit facing you.
- Introduce Dragon puppet and explain the game rules.
- Dragon leads your child through actions, but they don’t imitate.
- Remind your child not to listen to Dragon and to stay still while playing.
- Game Level 3 – Alternate Bear and Dragon (with modeling): (4-5 years)
- Have your child stand facing you.
- Introduce both puppets and clarify when to follow each puppet’s commands.
- Ensure that your child understands the rules and which puppet’s commands to follow.
- Conduct rounds with both Bear and Dragon, modeling correct responses.
- Game Level 4 – Alternate Bear and Dragon (no modeling): (5+ years)
- Repeat Level 3 but without adult modeling, making it more challenging.
- Encourage your child to remember the rules and control their impulses during the Dragon’s turn.
- Game Level 5 – Follow Dragon NOT Bear: (5+ years)
- Child follows Dragon’s commands and ignores Bear’s commands.
- Remind them of the rule reversal and ensure they understand.
Talk & Reflect:
At the end of each activity, discuss with your child what they found challenging and what strategies helped them. Encourage them to reflect on their experience.
“What part of the game was the hardest for you? What part was the easiest?”
Additional Ideas & Resources:
- Try the activity at different times of the day and in various settings to keep it engaging.
- Consider creating sock or stick puppets for Bear and Dragon.
- Turn the activity into group playtime! Be sure there is enough floor space for all children to sit or stand and imitate the characters.
- Let older children take turns leading the game.
