Boulders Rolling Down the Mountain

Children are hikers crossing a valley while boulders (foam balls) roll down from the mountain (the teacher), and they have to dodge them by stepping aside or hopping over. It works on dodging moving objects and predicting where they'll go.

How to play

1. We mark the two sides of the valley with ropes; the teacher stands at one end with the big balls: that's the mountain (2 min).
2. The hikers walk across the valley from one side to the other while the teacher rolls one boulder slowly (2 min).
3. Now two boulders roll: watch where they're going and step aside or hop over them (3 min).
4. The hikers jog across and the mountain rolls the boulders a bit faster (3 min).
5. If a boulder touches you, you become a boulder and help the teacher roll them (2 min).
6. The hikers rest in the cabin and tell how they dodged the boulders (1 min).

Rules

• Boulders always roll along the ground, never through the air.
• Watch the boulder to see where it's going.
• If I get touched, I help the mountain.
• Cross without pushing anyone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they sit next to the teacher and roll the boulders, or cross in their wheelchair with very slow boulders.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell inside and call "Boulder!" before rolling it.
• Autism: explain beforehand that the boulders are soft and let them start by watching from the cabin.

Learning goals

• Dodge objects coming toward them.
• Predict the path of a rolling ball.
• Enjoy the challenge without being afraid of getting touched.

Equipment for a class of 25

• large foam balls: 4
• jump ropes: 2

Teacher tip

The balls must be big and soft and always roll along the ground. Nobody is out when touched: they switch to rolling, so everyone keeps playing.

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