- GATHER IN A CIRCLE: Have students form a circle and explain that this is a call-and-response game where they will repeat both the sounds and movements you make.
- INTRODUCE THE “BOOM-A-CHICKA” CHANT: Start by demonstrating the chant in a steady rhythm:
“I said a boom” (students repeat)
“I said a boom” (students repeat)
“I said a boom-a-chicka-rocka-chicka-rocka-chicka-boom” (students repeat)
“Uh-huh” (students repeat)
“Oh yeah” (students repeat)
“This time like a…” (Students repeat) - ADD CHARACTER TRANSFORMATIONS: Once they are comfortable with the basic chant, introduce character-based variations: Say, “This time, like a robot!” or another character (e.g., a mouse, a giant, a ghost).
Lead the chant again, but now model how a robot or other character might say it— changing your tone, pitch, speed, and adding physical movements that reflect the character. - ENCOURAGE FULL ENGAGEMENT: Remind students to use their whole body to embody each character. If they’re being a robot, for instance, encourage stiff, mechanical movements along with a robotic voice.
Continue to call out new characters and lead them through the chant each time in the style of the chosen character. - LET STUDENTS SUGGEST CHARACTERS (OPTIONAL): Once they understand the game, invite students to suggest characters for the group to imitate. This allows them to be creative and take ownership of the warm-up.