Crossing the River on Two Sheets

Each child crosses a river marked with ropes using only two newspaper sheets as stepping stones: stand on one, place the other in front, and move forward without getting wet. Children work on motor planning, balance and arm-leg coordination.

How to play

1. Mark a river with two ropes on the ground about 15 feet apart, and hand out two sheets per child (1 min).
2. The teacher shows the trick: stand on one sheet, put the other in front, step onto it, turn around and pick up the one behind (2 min).
3. Everyone crosses the river at the same time, each with their own two stones, slowly (4 min).
4. Cross back again and try making longer steps (3 min).
5. In pairs, cross with three sheets between the two of you, helping each other stay out of the water (3 min).
6. Fold up the stones and put them away (1 min).

Rules

• Your feet always step on paper, never in the water.
• If a foot lands in the water, that's okay: shake it dry and keep going.
• Everyone moves their own stones.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair tells a buddy where to place the next stone, and they roll from stone to stone together.
• Visual impairment: use thicker cardboard stones that can be felt underfoot, with a buddy guiding by voice.
• Less balance: cross holding the teacher's hand or with a buddy steadying a shoulder.

Learning goals

• Plan a sequence of movements to solve a challenge.
• Keep balance while bending and turning on a small surface.
• Help a classmate in a shared task.

Equipment for a class of 25

• newspaper sheets: 50
• ropes: 2

Teacher tip

Newspaper slides on smooth floors, so play outside or on carpet. The hardest step is turning to pick up the sheet behind you; model it slowly several times.

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