Blind Caterpillar

In lines of 5, everyone wears a blindfold except the last person, who steers the caterpillar with shoulder taps passed forward down the line. Students practice trusting classmates, nonverbal communication, and spatial awareness.

How to play

1. Make 5 lines of 5, hands on the shoulders of the person in front. Agree on the code: tap the right shoulder to turn right, the left shoulder to turn left, both shoulders twice to stop.
2. First trip with eyes open, using the code silently to practice it (3 min).
3. Everyone puts on blindfolds except the last person, who guides the caterpillar slowly between cones spread around the area (4 min).
4. Rotate: the last person moves to the front and everyone moves back one spot, until each student has been the guide once (5 min).
5. Wrap-up: each line talks about which spot felt safest and why (3 min).

Rules

• Walk slowly, never run; the front person keeps hands slightly out in front.
• No talking: the caterpillar communicates only with taps.
• The guide is responsible for staying away from other caterpillars and walls.
• Students who don't want a blindfold can close their eyes or look down at the floor.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair is the permanent guide at the back, or leads at the front with a partner pushing.
• Visual impairment: this student can be a great guide and explain to the group how they navigate without sight.
• Autism or anxiety: start with eyes open and close them only when ready.

Learning goals

• Trust classmates to move without seeing.
• Pass along information with a nonverbal code.
• Take responsibility for guiding others safely.

Equipment for a class of 25

• blindfolds: 20
• cones: 20

Teacher tip

Keep cones away from walls and benches. Sanitize blindfolds or give each student their own; if you run short, closed eyes work fine.

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