Ant Steps, Giraffe Strides
Children move around switching between tiny ant steps and huge giraffe strides, depending on the animal the teacher calls out. It works on adjusting step length and balance when reaching into a long stride.
How to play
- The teacher shows both animals: the ant puts its heel right against the toes of the other foot; the giraffe stretches its leg as far as it can, with a long neck (1 min).
- Everyone walks like little ants around the space, feet very close together and no rushing (1 min).
- We switch to giraffes: super long steps and arms reaching up to eat leaves from tall trees (1 min).
- The teacher calls "Ant!" or "Giraffe!" and we change our steps right away (2 min).
- We finish by counting how many giraffe steps and how many ant steps it takes to cross the room (1 min).
Rules
- Ants put one foot right against the other.
- Giraffes stretch their legs a lot without jumping.
- When the animal changes, our steps change.
- Look ahead so you don't bump into anyone.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, practice one animal at a time and the teacher models both in front of them.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, switch animals on the teacher's call, changing faster and faster.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, add a third animal, the cat, with medium steps, and have them compare how many steps each one takes.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: in a wheelchair, the ant moves with short pushes and the giraffe with long glides.
- Visual impairment: they hold a classmate's hand who tells them which step to use, and practice first along a wall.
- Less coordination: the giraffe can take long steps resting a hand on the teacher's shoulder.
Learning goals
- Tell the difference between long and short steps.
- Keep their balance while stretching into a long stride.
- Change the way they walk on a verbal cue.
Teacher tip
Exaggerate both steps a lot when you demonstrate; little ones copy what they see. The typical giraffe mistake is jumping instead of stretching, so tell them "Your back foot stays down until the front foot lands."
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