Balloon Centipede
Groups of 5 form a centipede in a line, holding a balloon between one student's back and the next student's belly with no hands, and travel a course without dropping any. Students practice coordinated stepping, a shared rhythm, and communication.
How to play
- Make 5 groups of 5 and give each group 4 inflated balloons. Students line up with a balloon between each pair of teammates, held only with their bodies.
- First, practice moving 30 feet in a straight line with short steps together. The leader calls "left, right" to set the pace (3 min).
- Set up a cone course with curves and a U-turn. Each centipede travels it and counts how many balloons drop (5 min).
- If a balloon drops, the group stops, puts it back, and continues. Repeat the course, trying to drop fewer balloons (4 min).
- Final challenge: two centipedes join into one of 10 and finish the course together (3 min).
Rules
- No touching balloons with hands while moving.
- Walk, don't run, to avoid chain-reaction falls.
- The leader sets the pace and everyone follows.
- If a balloon pops, replace it without stopping the other groups.
Variations
Easier
Groups of 3 with 2 balloons on a straight course.
Standard
Groups of 5 with 4 balloons on a curvy course.
Harder
The centipede steps over a line of poles on the floor or moves sideways.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair is the leader and holds a balloon between one hand and the next student's back.
- Sensory sensitivity or autism: warn about the noise if a balloon pops, and use balloons that are not fully inflated.
- Skill level: groups that never drop switch balloons for soft balls, which slip more.
Learning goals
- Sync your steps with your teammates.
- Hold an object with the right amount of body pressure.
- Communicate to set the group's pace.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balloons: 30
- cones: 15
Teacher tip
Have spare balloons already blown up. The usual mistake is a leader who goes too fast, so ask them to glance back now and then.
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