Birds on the Power Line
Children are little birds sitting in a row on a line in the playground, the power line; when the teacher waves a big scarf they fly off around the playground, and when it comes down they land again. It practices taking off quickly from sitting in response to a visual signal.
How to play
- Everyone sits on a playground line, side by side with a gap: it's the power line where the birds rest (1 min).
- The teacher waves the scarf high: it's the wind; the birds get up and flap around the playground (2 min).
- When the teacher lowers and hides the scarf, they go back to the line and sit in any free spot (2 min).
- Last round: the teacher waves the scarf gently and the birds fly slowly, or hard and they fly fast (1 min).
- The birds switch power lines: the teacher points to another playground line and they land there when the scarf comes down (1 min).
Rules
- While I sit on the line, I watch the scarf.
- I fly with open arms without touching another bird.
- When I come back, I sit in a free spot without pushing.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher warns "Here comes the wind!" and they fly calmly.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, wave and hide the scarf without warning and change how long you wait.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, if the scarf waves to the left they fly to that side of the playground, and to the right, the other side.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair sits at the end of the line and flies by turning the chair with arms open.
- Visual impairment: the teacher adds a bird whistle to the scarf and a buddy acts as a guide bird.
- Autism: mark the child's fixed spot on the line with a bird picture so they always return to the same one.
Learning goals
- React to a visual signal by taking off from sitting.
- Return to a spot and sit down with control.
- Respect others' space when the whole group starts at once.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large scarf: 1
Teacher tip
Use a brightly colored scarf and stand where everyone on the line can see you. If they crowd when returning, chalk a mark on the line for each bird.
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