Keep My Ribbon Off the Ground

Children move in lots of ways (walking, running, jumping, crouching) and must keep the ribbon moving nonstop so it never drags on the ground. It builds coordination between moving around and moving the arm, and adapting to different ways of moving.

How to play

1. We discover the problem: if I stand still and stop my arm, the ribbon falls to the ground; if I move it, it flies (1 min).
2. We walk around the yard making waves so the ribbon doesn't touch the ground (2 min).
3. We run: the ribbon flies behind on its own like a rocket tail; then we make circles while running (3 min).
4. We jump with feet together like kangaroos and waddle crouched like ducklings, with the ribbon high making circles (3 min).
5. The teacher changes the way to move with the drum (one tap walk, two run, three jump) and the ribbon keeps flying (3 min).

Rules

• If my ribbon touches the ground, I lift it and keep going.
• We all run the same way.
• I look ahead and at my ribbon at the same time, without bumping.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the wheelchair moves forward while the child makes circles or spirals overhead.
• Visual impairment: travel in straight lines holding a guide's hand, using a shorter ribbon.
• More skill: carry a ribbon in each hand and keep both off the ground.

Learning goals

• Coordinate different ways of moving with an arm movement.
• Keep the ribbon moving continuously.
• Move energetically through the whole space.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cintas de tela con palito: 25
• pandero: 1

Teacher tip

The low levels (crouching) are hardest: the ribbon has to go way up there. Let them explore and don't correct every time it touches the ground; the fun is in noticing it themselves.

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