Fire Ribbon, Water Ribbon

Each card shows an element and the ribbon transforms: fire (fast zigzags and little hops), water (slow, smooth waves), wind (big circles while running) and earth (tapping the ground with heavy steps). It builds expressing movement qualities, changing intensity and the feelings that go with them.

How to play

1. The teacher shows the four cards and does how each element moves with the ribbon; the children guess which is which (2 min).
2. We try fire and water: the teacher shows a card and everyone transforms; so different! (3 min).
3. We try wind and earth the same way (3 min).
4. Mix-up: the teacher flips cards faster and faster, and children change from one element to another all around the yard (3 min).
5. Always end with water: a calm river that carries us back to the circle (1 min).

Rules

• I look at the card to know what I am.
• Fire jumps, but it doesn't push.
• My ribbon dances in my space, not in a friend's face.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child in a wheelchair shows the element with the ribbon and the speed at which they're pushed.
• Hearing impairment: the cards are the only cue needed.
• Autism: announce the card order at the start and keep them lined up in view.

Learning goals

• Express different qualities through movement (fast-slow, strong-soft).
• Change intensity on cue.
• Link movements with feelings.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cintas de tela con palito: 25
• tarjetas con dibujos: 4
• pandero: 1

Teacher tip

Make the cards big with clear colors (red, blue, white, brown). Fire really amps up the energy: always alternate it with water so things don't get out of hand.

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