Inside the Washing Machine
Children are dirty laundry going into the washing machine (a big rope circle) and through each cycle: soak, wash, rinse, gentle spin and hang to dry. It works on turning, speed changes and getting the whole body moving.
How to play
- We’re dirty laundry on the floor: move like a sock, a T-shirt or crumpled pants (1 min).
- Into the washer (inside the rope circle); in the soak cycle we move slowly as if floating (1 min).
- Wash: the music plays and we scrub arms, legs and tummy with “soap” while turning slowly (1 min).
- Rinse: shake off the water with hands, arms and legs (1 min).
- Spin: turn a little faster in place, switch direction, and freeze when the music stops (1 min).
- Hang to dry: step out, hang on the pretend clothesline with arms stretched up and dry in the sun (1 min).
Rules
- In the washer, I spin in my own spot.
- If I get dizzy, I stop and breathe.
- When the music stops, I freeze.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, no fast spin: just slow turns and shakes.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, every cycle plus switching direction.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, pairs hold hands and turn together in wash and spin, and choose what item of clothing they are.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: turn with trunk and arms, or slowly rotate the wheelchair with help.
- Autism: warn that the music will stop and fade the volume gradually.
- Visual impairment: the child turns holding the adult’s hand and shakes following spoken cues.
Learning goals
- Warm up with changes of pace.
- Control turns without losing balance.
- Act out an everyday household task.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Long rope: 1
- Music
Teacher tip
Keep fast spins very short and always switch direction. Make the rope circle big enough that everyone fits with arms out without touching.
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