Blind Hen Inside the Hand Circle
Blind Hen (the Spanish version of blind man's bluff) is played inside a hand-holding circle that acts as a soft wall, and the hen walks slowly with hands out front like bumpers. Kids practice finding their way without sight, trust and caring for a friend in a traditional game made safe.
How to play
- Make a wide hand-holding circle: it's the farm fence and nobody lets go (1 min).
- Learn the traditional Spanish exchange, explained: the circle asks the hen what she lost, she answers “a needle and a thimble,” and they tell her to turn around three times to find it (2 min).
- A hen goes to the middle with a blindfold or closed eyes; the teacher turns her around three times very slowly and she starts walking with hands out front (3 min).
- The circle walks slowly singing; when the hen touches someone, the circle stops and she guesses who it is by gently feeling their hair or face (3 min).
- Right guess or not, the child touched becomes the hen and the old hen joins the circle (3 min).
Rules
- The hen walks slowly with hands out front.
- The circle never lets go: it's the fence.
- If the hen heads toward the circle, catch her gently with your hands, no pushing.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, skip the blindfold and close eyes for just a moment; the circle says “Peep!” to guide the hen.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use the blindfold and guess who it is by touch.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the child touched says “peep, peep” in a disguised voice to make it harder.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the hen can ride in a wheelchair pushed slowly by the teacher, or the child joins the circle by holding a rope.
- Autism: the blindfold is optional; the child can cover their eyes with their hands and uncover them anytime.
- Visual impairment: the child makes a great hen, and as part of the circle helps others find their way by voice.
Learning goals
- Find your way in space without sight.
- Recognize a friend by touch or voice.
- Look after someone who can't see.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Fabric blindfold: 2
Teacher tip
Always turn the hen very slowly with hands on her shoulders so she doesn't get dizzy. Nobody has to wear the blindfold; being the hen with eyes closed counts just the same.
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