Immovable Statue Base Challenge
In pairs, a statue stands inside a hoop and the sculptor has 10 seconds to move them out by gently pushing or pulling on shoulders, arms, and hips. The statue learns to find a stable base and the sculptor learns to apply force in different directions.
How to play
- Place one hoop per pair on the floor, 10 feet apart, and demo the statue base: feet apart, knees bent, arms relaxed (2 min).
- Phase one: the statue starts with feet together and the sculptor gently pushes from the front, back, and sides so the statue feels when balance is lost (3 min).
- Phase two: when the teacher calls "statue!", the statue picks a base and the sculptor has 10 seconds to make a foot leave the hoop; if it does, the sculptor scores.
- Play 4 tries, switch roles, then each sculptor finds a new statue (6 min).
- Final challenge: statues that never moved show their base and the class figures out what they have in common (4 min).
Rules
- Push or pull only on shoulders, arms, and hips; never the head or clothing.
- No sudden shoves: build force gradually.
- The statue may not grab the sculptor.
Variations
Easier
The statue may put one hand on the floor like a tripod.
Standard
The statue stands with a free base and the sculptor has 10 seconds.
Harder
The statue must stay on one foot or with feet in a line.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student in a wheelchair with brakes on is a seated statue who must keep their back against the backrest.
- Autism: agree in advance on which body parts may be touched and start with the teacher as sculptor.
- Fitness level: pair by height and weight and let the stronger sculptor use only one hand.
Learning goals
- Discover which body positions give the most stability.
- Apply pushing and pulling forces in several directions.
- Control the intensity of contact with a partner.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 13
Teacher tip
At the end, ask why low statues with wide feet are harder to move: it is a perfect moment to talk about base of support in kid-friendly words.
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