Floor Arrows to the Dragon's Nest
Following arrows taped to the ground, children carry a dragon's eggs back to its hidden nest. They practice orienting by direction signs and cooperating in small groups.
How to play
- The teacher tells how a friendly dragon lost its colorful eggs and left arrows on the ground so we can help carry them back to its nest (1 min).
- All together behind the teacher, we follow the first arrow trail, saying where each arrow points: "Toward the fountain!" "Toward the bench!" (3 min).
- In groups of five, each child carries an egg (a ball) and the group follows the trail to the nest, which is hidden behind something (5 min).
- The teacher turns some arrows around so the trail leads somewhere new; we carry more eggs (4 min).
- We all reach the nest, count the eggs, and sit around it so the dragon can sleep peacefully (2 min).
Rules
- I follow the arrows; I don't take a shortcut.
- My group stays together: we wait for the last one.
- We carry the egg in our hands; we don't throw it.
- We take care of the nest: I set the egg down gently.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use one short trail, all together holding the teacher's hand, with very big arrows.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use small groups and arrows that change.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, groups lay new arrows so another group finds a different nest.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: route the trail over smooth ground with no steps; the egg can ride on the child's lap.
- Visual impairment: use arrows made of thick rope taped down that can be followed with the foot, plus a buddy guide.
- Autism: show a photo of the nest and the end of the trail beforehand.
Learning goals
- Follow direction signs to reach a place.
- Move as a group, looking out for one another.
- Place an object behind another.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Cardstock arrows: 15
- Masking tape: 1
- Decorated treasure box: 1
- Colored balls: 25
Teacher tip
Use two layers of masking tape on the arrows; wind lifts them. Make the arrows huge and all one color. Kids often run straight to the nest once they spot it, so hide it well behind something.
PatioLab has "Floor Arrows to the Dragon's Nest" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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