Crossing Crocodile River
A jungle movement story: explorers cross a river jumping from stone to stone, walk across a log and sneak past crocodiles opening and closing their jaws. Kids practice jumping, low balance and being brave.
How to play
- Before class, build the river with blue fabric on the floor. On top, place hoops (stones) a step apart, a gym bench (log) with mats on both sides and two more mats (crocodile bank).
- Circle (2 min): 'We're jungle explorers. To reach the temple we have to cross Crocodile River.' Show the course by doing it.
- The stones (4 min): jump hoop to hoop with feet together. When done, walk back along the riverbank and start again. While some jump, others move like monkeys along the bank instead of standing in line.
- The log (4 min): add the bench. Kids walk across with arms out; stand right next to the bench and offer a hand to anyone who needs it.
- The crocodiles (3 min): three or four kids lie on the mats opening and closing their arms like jaws. Explorers pass by without getting 'chomped.' Change crocodiles every round.
- At the temple (2 min): everyone reaches the far side and celebrates with a jungle dance: gorilla chest pats and monkey jumps.
Rules
- One at a time on the bench.
- Jump inside the hoops, not on the rim.
- Crocodiles only move their arms; no grabbing.
- Always go back along the bank, never through the course.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, put hoops very close together and swap the bench for a rope on the floor.
Standard
Full course with the teacher beside the bench.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, hop the stones on one foot or cross the log sideways.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: be a crocodile, or roll along a floor-level fabric riverbank with help.
- Visual impairment: very bright hoops and the teacher walks alongside on the bench.
- More skilled kids jump hoops spaced farther apart; less skilled kids step through them.
Learning goals
- Jump with feet together and land with control.
- Balance on a narrow, low surface.
- Take on a small challenge with confidence.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 12
- gym benches: 2
- mats: 6
- colored fabric pieces: 6
Teacher tip
Stay at the bench; it's the only raised spot. If you have the equipment, set up two parallel courses so nobody waits.
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