Blind Hen Looks for Her Chicks
We adapt the traditional Spanish game «La gallinita ciega» («little blind hen»): after the call-and-response «Little blind hen, what have you lost?», the hen walks with eyes closed and hands out front looking for the chicks, who stay still and call «peep, peep.» It works on orienting by sound, trust and looking after each other.
How to play
- Standing in a circle, the teacher is the hen and we learn the traditional sung dialogue between the hen and the chicks (2 min).
- The hen closes her eyes, turns around slowly three times with help and walks with hands out front like a bumper (2 min).
- The chicks stay still in the circle and softly say «peep, peep»; the hen walks toward the sound (3 min).
- When she touches a chick, she guesses who it is by touching hair or hand, and that chick becomes the new hen (3 min).
- Final round with several hens inside the circle at once, each with a helper looking after her (2 min).
Rules
- The hen walks slowly with hands out front.
- Chicks stay in their spot.
- Soft peeps, no shouting.
- If I don't want to close my eyes, I can look at the floor.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher is always the hen and the chicks call to be found.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, kids are hens and guess with help.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, several hens at once, and the chicks change how they peep.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: be the hen in a wheelchair with a buddy who pushes following directions.
- Visual impairment: a game where they can shine; they can be the hen as often as they like.
- Autism: don't require eyes closed or being touched; they can guess by voice.
Learning goals
- Find your way in space by following sound.
- Take care of someone who can't see.
- Learn an adapted traditional game.
Teacher tip
Don't use blindfolds with 3-year-olds: closing their eyes is enough, and they can open them anytime. Keep the circle small so the hen doesn't walk far blind.
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