Flags in a Soft and Strong Wind
Children are flagpoles planted in the ground and their ribbon is the flag, flapping with the wind the teacher makes with their voice: a breeze, a strong wind or calm. It builds a steady stance and control of arm strength.
How to play
- Each child plants their feet apart and holds the ribbon arm up high: we're flagpoles that don't move (1 min).
- The teacher blows gently, "fffff": the flag moves just a bit, only with the wrist (1 min).
- The teacher blows hard, "FFFFF!": the flag flaps with the whole arm, but the feet stay planted (1 min).
- Total calm: the flag hangs still and we listen; then the wind changes and the flag waves forward, backward or to the side (1 min).
- The wind carries the flagpoles away: we walk slowly with flags waving and sit down in the circle (1 min).
Rules
- My feet don't move: I'm a flagpole.
- The flag listens to the wind: soft, strong or still.
- My flag waves in my spot without touching a friend.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use only breeze, strong wind and calm, and let children blow along with the teacher.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, add wind that changes direction.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, a child becomes the wind with their voice and the others follow.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: be a flagpole sitting in a wheelchair or on the floor with a straight back.
- Hearing impairment: show the wind with the teacher's hand: a trembling hand for a breeze, a sweeping arm for strong wind, a closed fist for calm.
- Less skill: hold the wand with both hands.
Learning goals
- Keep a steady stance while moving the arm.
- Grade movement strength from soft to strong.
- Get ready for the session by listening to directions.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cintas de tela con palito: 25
Teacher tip
Spread the children out well first: with arms stretched they shouldn't touch. Watch for kids who step during the strong wind; remind them about their "roots" by tapping their feet.
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