Itsy Bitsy Spider Climb and Drop
A whole-body version of “The Itsy Bitsy Spider”: the spiders climb up an imaginary spout, the rain washes them down to the floor, and the sun dries them so they can climb again. It works arm-leg coordination and changing levels.
How to play
- Children spread out, standing. Sing the song once with the usual hand motions (1 min).
- “Now we are real spiders.” As the song starts, everyone “climbs” in place: right arm and left knee up, then switch, rising higher on tiptoes each time (1 min).
- When the rain comes, wiggle fingers like raindrops and sink slowly to the floor (30 s).
- When the sun comes out, stretch arms wide and turn slowly in place to dry off (30 s).
- Sing it two more times: once climbing very fast and once in slow motion (2 min).
- Finish: the spiders crawl on all fours around the gym, find a new “spout,” and climb one last time (1 min).
Rules
- Climb in place without bumping anyone.
- Go down to the floor slowly, no flopping.
- Each spider keeps its space while crawling.
- Everyone sings, even softly.
Variations
Easier
Climb with arms only and crouch for the rain.
Standard
Climb with opposite arm and knee, plus rain and sun.
Harder
Climb faster with opposite arm and knee, and crab-crawl belly up at the end.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: climb with arms and upper body from the wheelchair, and the rain comes down to the knees.
- Hearing loss: back up each part of the song with a clear teacher gesture (climb, rain, sun) everyone can see.
- More skilled kids climb with opposite arm and leg without watching you; less skilled kids climb with both arms together.
Learning goals
- Coordinate arms and legs in an alternating pattern.
- Move from a high level to a low level with control.
- Follow a song with the body.
Teacher tip
Many kids already know the hand motions: build on that and make them whole-body. Exaggerate the slow ride down with the rain so nobody drops hard.
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