An Undersea Ribbon Swim
Children dive into an imaginary sea and their ribbon turns into jellyfish tentacles, an eel's tail, an octopus arm or a fish's bubbles. It builds pretend play, a range of movement qualities and creative expression.
How to play
- We put on imaginary goggles and dive in: we walk slowly as if the water is holding us back (2 min).
- We're jellyfish: the ribbon hangs down and we float up and down very gently (3 min).
- We're eels: the ribbon zigzags fast along the floor while we slide along crouching (3 min).
- We're octopuses: we turn slowly with the ribbon circling and hug a friend with our arm "tentacles" (3 min).
- We're bubbles: the ribbon draws small circles that float up to the surface, and we climb out of the sea onto the beach (3 min).
Rules
- Under the sea, everything moves slowly.
- Jellyfish and octopuses swim without bumping.
- I only hug a friend if they want a hug.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use only jellyfish and fish, and the teacher tells the story with lots of voice and gestures.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use all four sea creatures and let children suggest how each one moves.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the teacher names the creature and adds something happening: "Here comes a current!" "The octopus hides!"
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child in a wheelchair is a boat or a whale sailing along while moving the ribbon.
- Hearing impairment: use cards with a picture of each sea creature.
- Autism: preview the sequence of creatures with pictures and let the child choose to stay as one.
Learning goals
- Act out sea creatures with the body and ribbon.
- Vary movement quality: soft, fast, circular.
- Enjoy pretend play as a group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cintas de tela con palito: 25
- música
Teacher tip
Ocean or water sounds really help set the mood. The usual mistake is everyone ending up running: remind them that "underwater, we're very heavy."
PatioLab has "An Undersea Ribbon Swim" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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