Centipede in Step: Running Together
Groups of five form a centipede with hands on the shoulders of the person in front and travel stepping with the same foot at the same time to the hand drum. Students practice group synchronization, stepping rhythm, and cooperation.
How to play
- Make groups of five in a line, each student with hands on the shoulders of the person ahead. The first student is the head and leads the way (2 min).
- To a slow drum beat, centipedes walk with everyone stepping together: left foot first, then right. The head calls "left, right" out loud for the first few beats (3 min).
- Speed the drum up to a jog. Centipedes must keep going without letting go or stepping on the person in front, weaving around cones spread across the playground (3 min).
- Add patterns: four regular steps and two little hops, or three steps and a freeze. The teacher drums the pattern and groups repeat it (4 min).
- Every 2 minutes the head moves to the back so everyone gets to lead.
- Final challenge (4 min): a centipede race around a cone course; the winning group finishes without breaking apart and with steps in sync, as judged by the teacher.
Rules
- Don't let go; if the centipede breaks, stop, reconnect, and keep going.
- The head sets a speed the whole group can handle.
- Hands go on shoulders, never on necks or clothing.
- Take short steps so you don't step on your partner's heels.
Variations
Easier
Use groups of three and walk only, to a slow, steady beat.
Standard
Use groups of five with walking, jogging, and simple step-and-hop patterns.
Harder
Make the whole class into two big centipedes of twelve that must cross paths without colliding while staying in step.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student leads the centipede in a wheelchair and the group adjusts to their pace.
- Students with autism or who avoid touch: they can hold a hoop or short rope with their partner instead of shoulders.
- Higher-skilled students: they keep the beat for their group on the hand drum.
Learning goals
- Synchronize steps with a group and with an outside beat.
- Keep the rhythm while changing speed and direction.
- Cooperate by adjusting to everyone's pace.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hand drum: 1
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
Start very slowly, since stumbles happen when the pace picks up. If a group falls out of sync, have them stop, count "one, two" together, and start again.
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