Feet That Fish for Scarves

Barefoot and seated in a circle, children scrunch, pick up and carry scarves using only their toes, then pass them to a classmate. It works on foot dexterity and strength, seated balance and patience.

How to play

1. Take off shoes and socks and sit in a circle with a scarf spread out in front of your feet (1 min).
2. Scrunch the scarf with your toes like an accordion, then smooth it out again (2 min).
3. Go fishing: grab the scarf with the toes of one foot and lift it for a moment, then with the other foot (2 min).
4. Carry the scarf with your foot to the basket in the middle of the circle, scooting on your bottom, and come back (2 min).
5. Pass the scarf foot to foot to the classmate next to you, no hands, until it goes all the way around (2 min).
6. Give your feet a little rub with your hands so they can rest (1 min).

Rules

• Hands stay on the floor behind you.
• If the scarf drops, fish it up again with your foot.
• Pass it gently to your classmate's foot.
• Wait for it to reach you, no grabbing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited leg mobility: the child fishes with their hands with eyes closed or with big kitchen tongs, and joins the passing round.
• Autism or touch sensitivity: the child can wear grip socks if being barefoot is uncomfortable.
• Less dexterity: use thicker scarves or a piece of towel, which toes grip more easily.

Learning goals

• Build toe strength and dexterity.
• Keep seated balance while moving the legs.
• Wait for a turn in a group game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• fabric scarves: 25
• baskets: 2

Teacher tip

Let families know the day before so kids come in easy-off socks. Do it on a clean floor or mats; lots of kids giggle at the feel of the scarf, and that's fine.

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