Don't Step on My Dragon Tail

Each child is a dragon with a rope tail tucked into the back of their waistband; they move around the playground in different ways, careful not to step on their own tail or anyone else's. Kids practice body control and paying attention to the space around them.

How to play

1. The teacher helps each child tuck a rope into the back of their waistband so it trails on the ground (2 min).
2. The dragons walk slowly, looking at their tail over their shoulder (1 min).
3. The dragons jog and make curves without stepping on any tail (1 min).
4. Dragons on all fours: the tail keeps trailing behind (1 min).
5. Flying dragons hop and flap their arms like wings (1 min).
6. The dragons go to sleep: they pull out their tail and coil it up like a seashell (1 min).

Rules

• My tail goes in the back of my waistband, never around my neck.
• I don't step on tails, mine or anyone else's.
• If my tail falls out, I put it back without getting upset.
• I don't pull a friend's tail.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the tail hangs from the back of the wheelchair, secured away from the wheels, and a classmate moves alongside.
• Visual impairment: the child holds hands with a guide classmate and uses a shorter tail so it doesn't tangle.
• Autism: the child may prefer to hold the tail like a leash; allow it and encourage them to let it drag.

Learning goals

• Move in different ways while controlling speed.
• Pay attention to what is behind and around them.
• Respect the materials and their classmates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Jump ropes: 25

Teacher tip

Tuck the rope in only a couple of inches so it slips out on its own if someone steps on it; that way nobody trips. Six-foot ropes folded in half work great.

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