Field Trip on the Walking Rope

The whole class holds on to one long rope, just like on a field trip, and walks around the playground past pretend obstacles: a bridge, a tunnel, a curve and a traffic light. Kids practice walking at the group's pace and the rules for staying safe on the street.

How to play

1. Each child stands along one side of the rope and holds it with one hand; the teacher takes the front end and another adult the back (2 min).
2. We walk slowly around the playground, all in step, chanting "Left, right, left, right" (2 min).
3. We reach Cone Street: we go around curves without letting go (2 min).
4. At the crosswalk (hoops), we stop, look both ways and cross when the teacher says "Green!" (3 min).
5. We go under the tunnel (two kids making an arch with their arms) and head back to class without letting go of the rope (3 min).

Rules

• I hold the rope with one hand and don't let go.
• I walk, not run: if I run, my friend trips.
• When the friend ahead stops, I stop.
• The rope stays in my hand, never around my body.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: loop the rope over the wheelchair's armrest and a classmate pushes if needed; everyone goes at the child's pace.
• Visual impairment: the rope is their guide; the kids ahead announce curves and stops.
• Autism: place the child next to an adult and preview the route with photos of each stop.

Learning goals

• Walk matching their pace to the group's.
• Learn basic rules for walking safely on the street.
• Stop and start together with everyone else.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Long rope: 1
• Cones: 8
• Hoops: 4

Teacher tip

Tie knots in the rope every couple of feet so each child has their own handle and they don't bunch up. It's great practice before a real field trip.

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