A Wet Cloud on My Head

Each child carries a wet sponge on their head like a cloud and walks a little course of ropes and hoops trying not to drop it. It builds balance and upright posture, and the dripping water keeps them cool.

How to play

1. We soak the sponge, squeeze it a bit, and put it on our head: we have a cloud! (2 min).
2. We stroll around the playground with our cloud on top, looking ahead with straight backs (2 min).
3. We walk the course: along a rope on the ground, from hoop to hoop, and around the cones (3 min).
4. If the cloud falls, we say “It rained!”, pick it up, wet it again, and keep going (2 min).
5. Bigger challenges: crouch slowly without dropping it, or walk backward a few steps (2 min).
6. We take the cloud off and squeeze it over our heads to cool down (1 min).

Rules

• The cloud stays on my head, no holding it.
• I walk slowly: if I run, it rains.
• If it falls, I pick it up and start again from where I was.
• I leave room for the friend in front.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the cloud rides on the head or shoulder while moving in a wheelchair along a wide path.
• Visual impairment: make the course with thick ropes they can feel with their feet, and a buddy guides them by voice.
• Less dexterity: use flatter, wider sponges or carry it on an open palm.

Learning goals

• Keep balance with an object on the head.
• Control posture and speed while moving.
• Take mistakes with humor and try again.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large sponges: 25
• Shallow basin: 2
• Ropes: 4
• Hoops: 6

Teacher tip

Big flat sponges stay on best; round bath sponges always fall. Set up the course on grass. Kids tend to look at the ground: tell them to look at a picture or at the teacher at the end of the course.

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