Clock-Face Cleanup: Putting Gear Away by Clock Directions

Cleanup cool-down where a masked partner collects equipment by following clock directions ("cone at two o'clock, three steps"), the system many blind people use to orient themselves. It ends the lesson calmly with the gear put away.

How to play

1. Explain the clock system: twelve is straight ahead, three is to the right, plus distance in steps (1 min).
2. Pairs: one masked partner walks slowly and collects three items guided only by clock directions and steps; the guide walks alongside without touching (3 min).
3. Switch roles: the new collector carries items to the bin the guide names (2 min).
4. Quick debrief: which direction was clearest (1 min).

Rules

• Masked players walk slowly with one hand out at chest height.
• The guide calls "stop" at any obstacle.
• Light gear only: cones, pinnies, balls.
• No joking about a partner's orientation.

Variations

Adaptations

• Blind student: acts as expert guide and checks whether others' directions are useful.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing student: no mask, and the guide uses their arm like a clock hand.
• Anxious student: collects without a mask, closing eyes only on the last stretch.

Learning goals

• Use the clock orientation system.
• Wind down with a calm task.
• Leave equipment put away as a shared responsibility.

Equipment for a class of 25

• eye masks: 15
• cones: 20
• equipment bins: 4

Teacher tip

Use it at the end of a gear-heavy lesson. The guide's usual mistake is saying "here" or "over there": insist on clock time and steps every time.

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