Big Snow Day Sled Movement Story

One morning the playground is covered in snow: students bundle up, trudge through deep snow, skate on the ice and pull sleds in pairs. It works on locomotor moves of different sizes, sliding and partner cooperation.

How to play

1. Everyone spreads out. The teacher says it snowed overnight and we bundle up: boots, hat, scarf and mittens with big arm and leg moves (1 min).
2. Deep snow: walk lifting the knees high as if the feet sink, getting faster and faster (1 min).
3. Frozen pond: skate by sliding the feet and swinging the arms; on a clap, hockey stop with feet wide (1 min 30 sec).
4. Partner sleds: one in front with hands behind, the other holding those hands; the front one jogs and pulls, the back one walks fast. Switch after 30 seconds (1 min 30 sec).
5. Imaginary snowballs: crouch, pack a snowball and throw it far toward a wall with one arm, then the other, 6 times (1 min).
6. Snowman: everyone freezes like a snowman and the sun slowly melts them until they're sitting on the ground (1 min).

Rules

• On the sled, the front partner never yanks.
• Snowballs are thrown at the wall, never at a classmate.
• Skate on the ice without touching anyone.
• To stop, feet wide and knees bent.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: in a wheelchair, rides as the sled pushed by a partner and throws snowballs from their spot.
• Shyness: picks their sled partner and can start as the passenger.
• Fitness level: in deep snow, students who want more challenge bring knees to chest.

Learning goals

• Adjust the size and pace of locomotor movements.
• Coordinate with a partner to move together.
• Warm up the body gradually with a story.

Teacher tip

Pair sled partners of similar height. If the blacktop is wet, skip the skating and use side steps instead.

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