Knights Taking a Bow

Children are knights kneeling for the king, with one knee down and the other leg forward, and at the end they bow to him on one foot. It works on static balance with knee support and the change to a standing pose.

How to play

1. The king (the teacher) arrives: everyone kneels with a tall back and head up (2 min).
2. Knight position: one knee on the floor and the other leg in front, foot firmly planted; we stay still while the king walks by (3 min).
3. We switch legs without putting our hands on the floor (2 min).
4. The knight raises an imaginary sword with both arms to the sky and holds without wobbling (2 min).
5. We stand up slowly with no hands and take a bow: we lean forward with one foot lifted a little behind us (2 min).
6. The king thanks the knights and everyone sits in a circle (1 min).

Rules

• While the king walks by, the knights don't move.
• I stand up without pushing the person next to me.
• If I fall, I go back to my knight position.
• We all wait for the king to say "Rise!"

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the knight waits seated with a tall back, and the bow is done by leaning the trunk with arms open.
• Hearing impairment: the king wears a very visible paper crown, and each command comes with a gesture (hand down, hand up).
• Different skill levels: each child can choose to bow on two feet or on one.

Learning goals

• Balance on one knee and one foot.
• Go from kneeling to standing without using the hands.
• Wait for and follow the signal to change.

Teacher tip

On a hard floor, have each child put a cushion or mat under the knee. Play the king with lots of ceremony: the more solemn you are, the stiller they stay.

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