Make the Clone & Motion Game - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

All Activities

Make the Clone & Motion Game

Make a Clone and Motion Game by creating matching character cards and movement sequences; players copy motions to score points, learning patterns and coordination.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make the Clone & Motion Game

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Mitosis & the Cell Cycle: How Cells Clone Themselves: Crash Course Biology #29

What you need

Paper or index cards, scissors, colouring materials, tape or glue stick, ruler, timer or stopwatch, dice, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather all the materials and bring them to a flat play space.

Step 2

Cut out 12 equal-sized cards from your paper or index cards using the ruler for straight edges.

Step 3

Draw six different character designs and make two copies of each so every character has a matching twin.

Step 4

Colour and decorate each character card with your colouring materials.

Step 5

Make 12 movement cards by writing one simple motion on each card like "clap" "jump" "spin" or "tiptoe."

Step 6

Decide how many moves will be in each sequence and say that number out loud (for beginners choose 3).

Step 7

Create 6 sequence cards by choosing that many movement cards and taping them side by side to form a single sequence.

Step 8

Shuffle the character cards and place them face down in a neat grid on the table or floor.

Step 9

Shuffle the sequence cards and place them face down in a separate pile.

Step 10

Choose the first leader to start the game.

Step 11

The leader draws the top sequence card and keeps it secret to themselves.

Step 12

The leader performs the moves on the sequence card for the other players to copy.

Step 13

If a player copies the sequence correctly allow that player to flip two character cards to try to find a matching pair and award one point for a match otherwise flip the cards back face down.

Step 14

Share a photo or video of your Clone & Motion Game and tell how you played on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can we use if we can't find index cards or fancy colouring materials?

If you don't have index cards you can cut 12 equal-sized cards from printer paper or a cereal box using the ruler for straight edges and colour them with your colouring materials.

What should we do if the taped sequence cards fall apart or players can't copy the moves?

If taped sequence cards come apart or players can't copy the secret moves, reinforce sequences with stronger tape or staples and have the leader perform the moves more slowly and clearly while keeping the sequence card face down.

How can we adapt the game for different ages or skill levels?

For younger children make sequences of 2–3 simple motions (as suggested for beginners) and use bigger, sturdier character cards, while older kids can do 4–6 moves, include more complex actions, and keep score for competition.

How can we extend or personalise the Clone & Motion Game to make it more fun?

To extend the game, let kids personalise character cards with stickers and costume cutouts, laminate them with clear tape for durability, create themed sequence packs like animal or superhero moves, and record a video to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make the Clone & Motion Game

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

DNA cloning (overview) | gene cloning | What is the purpose of DNA cloning? | genetic engineering

4 Videos

Facts about movement games and pattern recognition

🧠 The 1978 electronic game Simon popularized repeating light-and-sound sequences — a great inspiration for copy-the-move games.

🎴 The matching card game Concentration (Memory) is often used by teachers to help kids improve attention and recall.

👯 Mirror neurons fire both when we act and when we watch others, making imitation a natural learning tool for movement games.

🏃 Kinesthetic learners remember actions and sequences best — moving while learning can boost memory and coordination.

🔁 Games that add one move each round (incremental sequence games) feel satisfying because players spot and build on patterns.

How do I make and play the Clone & Motion Game?

To make and play the Clone & Motion Game, first create matching character cards (two of each) and separate motion cards listing short actions (jump, spin, clap, hop). Shuffle and deal character cards, then draw one or more motion cards to build a sequence. Players take turns demonstrating their sequence while others must copy (clone) it exactly. Award points for accurate copying, increase sequence length each round, and use a timer or cooperative chain mode for variety.

What materials do I need to make the Clone & Motion Game?

You’ll need cardstock or index cards, markers or crayons, scissors, and stickers or printed pictures for characters. Add blank cards for motion sequences, a small container to hold cards, and a timer or phone for timed rounds. Optional extras: laminator or clear contact paper for durability, dice to set sequence length, and small props for actions. Pre-cut cards and washable markers work well for younger kids.

What ages is the Clone & Motion Game suitable for?

This game suits roughly ages 3–12 with adjustments: preschoolers (3–5) enjoy single-step picture-based motions with adult help; ages 6–8 can manage two- to four-step sequences and basic scoring; ages 9–12 can handle longer chains, more complex moves, and rule variations. Supervise scissors and small items for younger children and adapt sequence length and motion complexity to match attention and motor skills.

What are the benefits of playing the Clone & Motion Game?

The Clone & Motion Game improves working memory, pattern recognition, sequencing, and gross motor skills. It promotes listening, imitation, turn-taking, and social interaction while encouraging creativity as children invent characters and moves. Repeated short sequences help attention span and gradually challenge executive function. It’s active, low-cost, adaptable for cooperative play, and supports both cognitive and physical development.

Ready to create?

All Activities

Make the Clone & Motion Game

Make a Clone and Motion Game by creating matching character cards and movement sequences; players copy motions to score points, learning patterns and coordination.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make the Clone & Motion Game

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Mitosis & the Cell Cycle: How Cells Clone Themselves: Crash Course Biology #29

What you need

Paper or index cards, scissors, colouring materials, tape or glue stick, ruler, timer or stopwatch, dice, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather all the materials and bring them to a flat play space.

Step 2

Cut out 12 equal-sized cards from your paper or index cards using the ruler for straight edges.

Step 3

Draw six different character designs and make two copies of each so every character has a matching twin.

Step 4

Colour and decorate each character card with your colouring materials.

Step 5

Make 12 movement cards by writing one simple motion on each card like "clap" "jump" "spin" or "tiptoe."

Step 6

Decide how many moves will be in each sequence and say that number out loud (for beginners choose 3).

Step 7

Create 6 sequence cards by choosing that many movement cards and taping them side by side to form a single sequence.

Step 8

Shuffle the character cards and place them face down in a neat grid on the table or floor.

Step 9

Shuffle the sequence cards and place them face down in a separate pile.

Step 10

Choose the first leader to start the game.

Step 11

The leader draws the top sequence card and keeps it secret to themselves.

Step 12

The leader performs the moves on the sequence card for the other players to copy.

Step 13

If a player copies the sequence correctly allow that player to flip two character cards to try to find a matching pair and award one point for a match otherwise flip the cards back face down.

Step 14

Share a photo or video of your Clone & Motion Game and tell how you played on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can we use if we can't find index cards or fancy colouring materials?

If you don't have index cards you can cut 12 equal-sized cards from printer paper or a cereal box using the ruler for straight edges and colour them with your colouring materials.

What should we do if the taped sequence cards fall apart or players can't copy the moves?

How can we adapt the game for different ages or skill levels?

How can we extend or personalise the Clone & Motion Game to make it more fun?

Watch videos on how to make the Clone & Motion Game

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

DNA cloning (overview) | gene cloning | What is the purpose of DNA cloning? | genetic engineering

4 Videos

Facts about movement games and pattern recognition

🧠 The 1978 electronic game Simon popularized repeating light-and-sound sequences — a great inspiration for copy-the-move games.

🎴 The matching card game Concentration (Memory) is often used by teachers to help kids improve attention and recall.

👯 Mirror neurons fire both when we act and when we watch others, making imitation a natural learning tool for movement games.

🏃 Kinesthetic learners remember actions and sequences best — moving while learning can boost memory and coordination.

🔁 Games that add one move each round (incremental sequence games) feel satisfying because players spot and build on patterns.