Little Fish Under the Fabric Sea
A few children are little fish crawling under the parachute while the rest make the sea; when a fish gently taps a classmate's feet, that classmate joins the swim, until the whole group is underneath. It builds crawling and creeping, moving with little visibility and a game where everyone is included.
How to play
- The teacher explains that under the sea there are little fish looking for friends to swim with; nobody is left out of the sea (2 min).
- Everyone sits with legs stretched under the fabric making gentle waves; the teacher chooses two little fish who crawl in (2 min).
- The fish swim around and gently tap a friend's feet; that friend says "Blub, blub!", lets go and swims in (4 min).
- When only a few are left holding, the fabric drops lower and the fish swim by creeping on their tummies (3 min).
- At the end, the teacher and another adult lift the fabric and all the fish swim back to their spots (3 min).
Rules
- Fish tap gently, no pulling feet.
- Underneath we go slowly, crawling or creeping.
- If you're tapped, say "Blub, blub!" and come in.
- Nobody is left out: in the end we're all fish.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, adults hold the fabric high the whole time and the game ends when half the class is in.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, play until everyone is in, with the fabric getting lower and lower.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, each new fish swims a different way: creeping, on their back, rolling.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child who can't crawl is the "octopus" who stays at the edge and taps feet that come nearby to invite them.
- Autism: the child can be one of the last to join or stay with the adult holding the fabric; there's no need to go under.
- Visual impairment: nobody sees much underneath; the child swims next to a classmate who guides them with their voice.
Learning goals
- Crawl and creep in a dim space.
- Enjoy a game where everyone ends up taking part.
- Touch classmates gently.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Rainbow parachute: 1
Teacher tip
You need at least two adults holding the fabric when only a few children are left outside. Model the gentle foot tap: this is a game of inviting, not tagging.
PatioLab has "Little Fish Under the Fabric Sea" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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