Block Path Over the Fabric River

Blue fabrics spread on the floor become a river, and children cross it by building a path of foam blocks laid flat like stepping stones. They work on balance over soft, wobbly surfaces and cooperate to build the crossing.

How to play

1. We spread the blue fabrics on the floor: it's a river full of fish with a mat island on each bank (2 min).
2. In groups, we lay blocks flat like stones to cross from one bank to the other (4 min).
3. We cross on our block path: walking, crawling or holding a friend's hand (4 min).
4. We move the blocks to make the path longer, curvier or with stones farther apart, and cross again (2 min).
5. We take the stones away and lie down in the river, which is now calm water (2 min).

Rules

• If you step in the river, go back to the bank and try again.
• Only one child per stone.
• The path belongs to everyone, so no moving stones while someone is crossing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: cross on a bridge of thin mats, by wheelchair or crawling.
• Autism: the child may cross first, alone, to get to know the path.
• Visual impairment: use bright blocks and have a classmate cross in front holding the child's hand.

Learning goals

• Keep balance on soft, narrow surfaces.
• Build a meaningful route as a group.
• Judge the distance from one stone to the next.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Blue fabric pieces: 6
• Foam blocks: 30
• Thin mats: 2

Teacher tip

Low, wide blocks feel safer than tall ones. The river story makes children take it very seriously; use it to talk about looking out for whoever is behind you.

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