Long Rope, Medium Rope, Short Rope

Long, medium and short ropes lie on the ground, and each one is crossed a different way: walk the long one like a tightrope walker, zigzag over the medium one, and jump the short one in one leap. It builds comparing lengths and ordering from shortest to longest.

How to play

1. Sitting down, the teacher lays out three ropes side by side and we compare: which is longest? Which is shortest? (2 min).
2. We walk among the ropes and, when the teacher calls "Short!", "Medium!" or "Long!", we stand next to one of that kind (3 min).
3. Each kind has its game: walk along the long one like tightrope walkers, zigzag-jump over the medium one, and leap over the short one (4 min).
4. In groups, we line up three ropes from shortest to longest like a staircase and hop along it (3 min).
5. We measure our bodies: we lie next to a rope and say if we're longer or shorter than it (2 min).

Rules

• Ropes stay on the ground.
• To compare, line up the ends.
• When a friend is on the rope, wait until they're done.

Variations

Adaptations

• Child using a wheelchair: rolls alongside the long rope or follows it with a hand; compares from the chair.
• Blind or low-vision child: compares ropes by touch with the ends lined up.
• Children needing more support: on the long rope, walk beside it with one foot on top instead of both.

Learning goals

• Compare lengths: long, medium and short.
• Put objects in order by length.
• Improve balance and jumping.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cuerdas: 18

Teacher tip

The trick to comparing is lining up the ends on one side: crouch down and show them. Use a different color for each length the first time, then drop that help with older kids.

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