Eyes-Closed Car and My Co-Pilot
In pairs, one child drives a car using a hoop as a steering wheel and the co-pilot rides behind with hands on the driver's shoulders; when the driver closes their eyes, the co-pilot steers with gentle taps. It works on spatial awareness, trust and taking care of a partner.
How to play
- With one child, the teacher shows the signals: two hands on the shoulders means go, a squeeze on the right or left shoulder means turn, hands off means stop (2 min).
- With eyes open, pairs practice the signals, driving slowly around the playground (2 min).
- The driver closes their eyes and the co-pilot guides them, walking very slowly, without bumping into anyone (3 min).
- We switch: the co-pilot becomes the driver (2 min).
- Eyes closed again: the co-pilot steers the car through the cones and parks it in the garage (2 min).
- We sit with our partner and talk about how it felt to drive and to guide (1 min).
Rules
- We go very slowly, like a car in a parking lot.
- I can open my eyes whenever I want.
- The co-pilot keeps their car from bumping.
- Signals are gentle, no pushing.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, eyes always open: the driver just follows the co-pilot's signals.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, eyes closed for short stretches in an open space.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, eyes closed through the cone course all the way to the garage.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child in a wheelchair is the car and the co-pilot guides with their voice, or they're the co-pilot guiding their partner by voice.
- Autism: don't require closing their eyes; they can look at the floor or pull their cap down instead.
- Visual impairment: this game plays to their strengths; they can be co-pilot first and share how they find their way.
Learning goals
- Find their way in space without sight.
- Trust and take care of a partner.
- Communicate with body signals.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Hoops: 13
- Cones: 6
Teacher tip
Play in a clear area, and with half the class at a time if space is tight. Remind them several times that they can open their eyes: they'll be braver for it.
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