Jingle-Bell Reindeer Pull

In pairs, a reindeer with bells on its ankle pulls a driver holding a hoop from behind; on command they walk, trot or stop, and the bells give away how fast they're going. It works on controlling pace and cooperating with a partner.

How to play

1. Put the bell bracelet on the reindeer's ankle and listen to how it sounds walking, trotting and hopping (2 min).
2. In pairs: the reindeer stands inside the hoop in front, holding it at the waist; the driver holds it from behind with both hands (1 min).
3. Ride through the snow: the driver calls "Walk!", "Trot!" or "Whoa!" and the reindeer changes speed; the bells tell us how fast (3 min).
4. Curve and circle around the "pine trees" (cones) without letting go of the hoop (2 min).
5. Switch: the driver puts on the bracelet and becomes the reindeer (3 min).
6. The reindeer head back to the barn so slowly the bells barely jingle (1 min).

Rules

• The reindeer never goes faster than its driver.
• Hold on to the hoop; no sudden yanks.
• When the driver says "Whoa!", both stop.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child in a wheelchair is the reindeer with bells on the wrist; the driver walks alongside holding the hoop.
• Visual impairment: be the driver first, guided by the reindeer's bells and the hoop.
• Autism: keep the same partner, and the hoop gives each child a clear personal space.

Learning goals

• Change walking speed with control.
• Cooperate with a partner while moving together.
• Hear your own movement through sound.

Equipment for a class of 25

• jingle bell bracelets: 13
• hoops: 13
• cones: 6

Teacher tip

Check the bells: large and sewn on securely. The trickiest part is stopping the reindeer from dragging the driver; keep saying the sleigh only goes as fast as the slower of the two.

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