Hand to Hand on One Foot

In pairs, facing each other, children press palms and help each other balance on one foot with less and less support, until they try it alone and in a circle. It works on static balance with a partner's help and on cooperation.

How to play

1. In pairs, facing each other, we press our palms together and push gently, with no winner (2 min).
2. Palms together, we both lift one foot and hold while counting to five; then the other foot (3 min).
3. Now we touch with just one finger on each hand and lift a foot again (2 min).
4. We move our hands a little apart, as if joined by an invisible thread, and hold without touching (2 min).
5. Everyone in a circle holding hands, we lift one foot at the same time and hold together (2 min).
6. We high-five our partner to say goodbye (1 min).

Rules

• I push gently: my partner helps me and I help my partner.
• If my partner wobbles, I wait and we start again.
• We lift our feet together, counting together.
• No one wins: we hold it together.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the partner plays facing the wheelchair, palms together, and each lifts what they can (a foot, an arm).
• Visual impairment: a great game thanks to the touch; the pair counts out loud to stay in sync.
• Autistic children or those who don't tolerate touch: they can hold a scarf between them instead of hands.

Learning goals

• Balance on one foot with and without help.
• Adjust strength to help a partner.
• Cooperate toward a shared goal.

Teacher tip

Pair children of similar height. The usual mistake is pushing hard or pulling: show it with a child, pressing very, very gently, "like your hands are made of butter."

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