An opposites game requires an open area with a lot of space, such as a gym. If a gym is not available, create space in the classroom by moving desks, chairs and other obstacles out of the way. Cue cards are also required. Before you do the activity, draw simple pictures on each card. The pictures must show some kind of action that has a clear opposite, such as sitting and standing. The pictures do not need to be complex. Stick figures will suffice, as long as the action presented is clear.
Ask the children to stand in a circle, then hand a card to each student. Starting from left to right, have the child perform the action on the card. The rest of the group must then perform what they believe is the opposite of that action. For example, if the picture of the card indicates "fast," the child must quickly run on the spot. The rest of the class then determines the opposite -- in this case, "slow" -- and performs the corresponding action, such as walking slowly in place. Repeat this process for each person until everyone takes a turn.
What makes this game particularly beneficial is that it does not simply present opposites to the students. It tests each child's knowledge of opposites by requiring them to figure the answer on their own. Additionally, the physical nature of this exercise will put the young people's energy to good use.
If for some reason you do not have access to a gym or cannot create the required space, this game can be performed with the children seated at their desks. Using the fast and slow opposites as an example, the students can simply stamp their feet quickly or slowly without actually standing up.