Blindfolded Shepherd and Flock

A shepherd guides a blindfolded flock into a pen using only a sound code the group has invented. Students practice leadership, trust, careful listening and nonverbal communication.

How to play

1. Make 4 groups of 6 (one of 7). Each group has one shepherd and 5 sheep. Mark a 10 x 10 foot pen with 4 cones about 20 yards from each group's starting point (2 min).
2. Three-minute planning: the group invents a code of claps plus one unique sound (for example, a whistle or a made-up word) for go, stop, turn left and turn right.
3. The sheep put on blindfolds, spread out at the start and move with hands up at chest height. The shepherd may not touch them or talk, only use the code.
4. The shepherd guides the sheep one at a time or several at once into the pen; time how long it takes to gather the whole flock (4 minutes per round).
5. Rotate the shepherd role for 3 rounds, improving the code between rounds (9 minutes total).
6. Debrief: which signals worked best and how it felt to lead and to be led (2 min).

Rules

• Sheep always walk, never run.
• The shepherd uses only the agreed code; if they talk, the sheep being guided returns to the start.
• If a sheep hears anyone say "Freeze," it stops immediately.
• Safety: each group works in its own lane at least 5 yards from the others.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student is the shepherd, or a sheep with a partner pushing the wheelchair according to the code.
• Visual impairment: the student joins as a sheep without a blindfold, or as shepherd with a partner describing where the flock is.
• Anxiety with blindfolds: the student may close their eyes and open them whenever needed, or start with the blindfold raised.

Learning goals

• Lead the group clearly and responsibly.
• Trust a partner's directions.
• Create and use a nonverbal communication code.

Equipment for a class of 25

• blindfolds: 20
• cones: 20

Teacher tip

Space the lanes so neighboring groups' codes don't get mixed up. Stand in the middle so you can stop any sheep drifting out of its lane with your voice.

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