Guided Pairs Traffic Light: The Voice Runs the Road

In pairs linked by a short tether, one student wears a blindfold and moves around the yard while the guide turns the teacher's traffic signals into words. It warms up the body and practices the communication used by guides in Paralympic track.

How to play

1. Pairs hold a short tether; with eyes open, both walk and jog while agreeing on a code: "straight," "left turn," "right turn," "stop" (2 min).
2. The runner puts on the blindfold; the teacher holds up colored cards (green: jog, yellow: walk, red: stop) and only the guide sees and calls them (2 min).
3. Add turns and pace changes; the guide always calls the change one step early (2 min).
4. Switch roles and run the whole traffic light again (3 min).
5. Quick debrief: which word helped most and which one was confusing (1 min).

Rules

• The guide never pushes or pulls the tether, only runs alongside.
• Top speed is an easy jog while anyone is blindfolded.
• All pairs circle in the same direction to avoid collisions.
• If someone takes the blindfold off because they feel unsafe, that's fine; they keep going with eyes closed or open.

Variations

Adaptations

• Blind or low-vision students: run with their own preferred reference and show the class which cues actually help them.
• Limited mobility: the student moves in a wheelchair and the guide walks alongside with a hand on the backrest, without pushing.
• Anxious students: may squint or just act as guide in the first round.

Learning goals

• Warm up with varied movement.
• Give clear, short cues ahead of time.
• Understand the role of a guide in sports for blind athletes.

Equipment for a class of 25

• blindfolds: 14
• short tether cords: 14

Teacher tip

No tethers? A 20-inch piece of rope with a knot at each end or a strip of fabric works. Common mistake: guides talk too much; ask for one word per cue.

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