Hoop Pinwheels on My Arm

Children hang a hoop on one arm and spin it with small circles, like a pinwheel, using one arm, the other, and at different heights. Children practice arm coordination and the rhythm of a circular movement.

How to play

1. Hang the hoop on your arm and swing it back and forth like a swing (2 min).
2. Arm straight out in front: make little circles with your hand so the hoop spins like a pinwheel (3 min).
3. Try the other arm: which one spins it better? (2 min).
4. Helicopter pinwheel: arm up over your head, and the hoop spins up high (2 min).
5. Pinwheels to music: when it plays, the hoop spins; when it stops, catch the hoop with your other hand (2 min).
6. Hang the hoops on the rack or put them in the pile (1 min).

Rules

• I find a spot with space all around me.
• My hoop spins on my arm; I don't throw it.
• If it falls, I pick it up and try again.
• I stop my hoop when the music stops.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: pinwheels can be done seated; if one arm doesn't move, use the other.
• Less skilled children: small, light hoops spin with less effort.
• Hearing loss: the stop signal is the teacher crossing their arms, along with the music.

Learning goals

• Spin a hoop with circular arm movements.
• Try both the dominant and non-dominant hand.
• Match a movement to the music.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hoops: 25
• Music

Teacher tip

Use small or medium hoops: big ones are too much for little arms. Space children at least a hoop's width apart. The usual mistake is moving the whole body: say "only your hand draws little circles."

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