Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Heads Shoulders Body Game: Free Printable Game for Ages 2 to 4
- ForAges 2 to 4
- StageEarly Years
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Heads Shoulders Body Game is a free printable game for Ages 2 to 4, in Early Years. Children look at a card, name the body part and point to it on themselves. It suits one child or a small group of up to 6 players, takes about 10 minutes and works well with a song.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages. Page 1 is the game for children. Page 2 is for the grown up and has notes on how to use the sheet, help ideas and a stretch idea. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children play with cards that are cut out from page 1. They turn to a card, say the body part and point to it on their own body. The words include head, shoulders, knees and toes, then eyes, ears, mouth, nose, hands, feet, tummy and hair. A grown up can sing the song while the game goes on, so children hear each word again and again.
- head
- shoulders
- knees
- toes
- eyes
- ears
- mouth
- nose
- hands
- feet
- tummy
- hair
Ways to play
Point and say
Hold up one card. Everyone says the word and points to that part of their body. Keep it slow and cheerful. Let the youngest children copy you first.
Sing along
Sing the song and point as you go. Stop and pick a card from time to time. Ask the children to find that part and say its name.
Child in charge
Let your child choose a card and tell you what to touch. Do it slowly, then get it a little wrong on purpose. Children enjoy putting the grown up right.
Pass the card
With a small group, sit in a circle. Pass the cards round. Each child names the part on their card and everyone points to it together.
Why body games work at this age
Young children learn words best when they can do something while they hear them. Pointing to a part of the body links the word to a real thing the child can feel and see. Action songs add a steady rhythm and repeated words. That repetition helps new words stick without any pressure.
Games like this also help with listening. A child has to wait, hear the word, think and then move. Taking turns and joining in a group are early skills too. For a two year old, simply copying the grown up is a good first step. Naming the part aloud can come later, at the child's own pace.
Skills and curriculum link
- Body words
- Listening
- Movement
- Pointing and naming
- Taking turns
This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage | Communication and Language | Speaking | Ages 2 to 3 |
What children will be able to do
- I can name parts of my body.
- I can point to them.
- I can join in the game.
Ideas to help your child
- Say it and show itSay each word clearly and touch the part on your own body at the same time. Children learn from seeing and hearing together.
- Keep it playfulSilly voices, whispering and big movements all keep young children interested. Stop while it is still fun.
- Repeat oftenHearing the same words many times is how children make them their own. Play the same game on several days.
- Follow their leadIf your child likes one part, name it together and then add a new one. Let them decide how fast the game goes.
Key words
- HeadThe top part of your body. Your eyes, nose and mouth are on it.
- ShouldersThe parts of your body where your arms join on.
- KneesThe bendy parts in the middle of your legs.
- ToesThe small parts at the end of your feet.
- PointUse your finger to show where something is.
- Body partOne piece of your body that has a name.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2 for yourself. Cut the cards out before you start.
- Show the first card and say the word slowly. Point to that part on your own body so your child can see.
- Ask your child to point to the same part on themselves. Sing the song as you go if they like it.
- Play for about 10 minutes, then stop. Check the notes on page 2 for help and stretch ideas.
- Come back another day. Repeating a familiar game builds confidence and helps words stick.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Say the word slowly and point to your own body to show. Start with just a few cards, such as head and toes. Let your child copy you first. Add new cards when they feel ready, and cheer for every try.
To stretch confident children
Sing faster and faster each round. See if your child can still point to the right part as the song speeds up. You can also slow it right down, or sing it in a whisper, for a different challenge.
Make it a game
Let your child choose the card and tell you what to touch. Follow their instructions carefully. Then swap, so you pick a card and they point. With more players, take turns being the card chooser.
Talk about it
- Can you show me your knees?
- What is this part called?
- Which part of your body do you want to name next?
- What can you do with your hands?
- Which part helps you hear?
- Can you find the same part on your teddy?
Take it off the page
Teddy check up
Sit a teddy or doll in front of your child. Ask them to point to each part of the toy and say its name. Then swap and let them be the one who gives the instructions.
Mirror play
Stand in front of a mirror together. Name a part, then touch it and look at it in the mirror. Take turns choosing the part.
Trace and name
Lay a big sheet of paper on the floor. Draw round your child with a pencil or crayon. Then name the parts together and let them add eyes, a mouth and hair.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child and let them lead. Short bursts work best, and about 10 minutes is plenty. Sing, point and laugh together. Nobody needs to get it right first time.
Teachers
Use it at circle time, as a settling starter or as a small group table activity. Page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed groups. It needs no preparation beyond printing and cutting out the cards.
Home educators
Pair it with songs, books and everyday talk about bodies at bath time, dressing and outdoor play. Because it is free to print, you can use it again with younger brothers and sisters.
Where this fits in
Before this game, children listen to adults name things around them and begin to point to what they hear. Simple songs, rhymes and everyday talk about getting dressed are a good start. Many children can point to a few parts of the body before they can say the words.
After this game, children can name more parts, such as elbows or ankles, and use short sentences about what their body does. They can also move on to other simple games that practise listening and following instructions, like finding colours or animals.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- Can you show me your knees?
- What is this part called?
- Which part of your body do you want to name next?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Heads Shoulders Body Game for?
It is written for Ages 2 to 4, in Early Years. Younger children can simply point and copy, while older ones can say the word as well. Adjust the pace to suit your child.
- What will children practise?
Children practise naming and pointing to parts of the body. They also build listening, movement and early speaking skills. The game works well with the song, which repeats the words in a steady rhythm.
- How do I use it?
Print both pages and cut out the cards. Players: 1 to 6. Play time: about 10 minutes. Show a card, say the word, point to the body part and sing the song as you go.
- What if it feels too hard?
Say the word slowly and point to your own body to show. Use only a few cards at first and let your child copy you. Add more cards when they feel confident. Praise every try.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers and sisters, or for another group. Black and white printing works well on plain A4 paper.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. It works as a circle time game, a starter or a small group table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing and cutting out the cards. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed groups.
- How long does it take?
It takes about 10 minutes. Young children tire quickly, so stop while it is still fun. You can play again later in the day or on another day. Short and often works best.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.