Monkey Tribe Follow-the-Leader Story
In the jungle, small monkey tribes follow their leader, who changes as the teacher tells the story. Each tribe copies, single file, everything the monkey in front does. It builds imitation, attention and a group warm-up.
How to play
- Groups of 5 in single-file lines spread across the blacktop. The first in each line is the tribe leader. The teacher says the sun is rising over the jungle (30 sec).
- Monkeys wake up: the leader scratches, stretches and yawns, and the tribe copies in place (30 sec).
- Jungle walk: the leader jogs around and the tribe follows, copying everything; the teacher suggests ideas like hopping roots, ducking under branches and swinging on vines (1 min 30 sec).
- Switch leaders: when the teacher shouts "Banana!", the leader goes to the back and the next monkey leads; repeat until everyone has led (2 min).
- Rainstorm: all tribes huddle in the middle, crouched and hugging their knees, while the teacher counts to 10 (30 sec).
- Sunshine: every monkey shakes the water off their arms and legs and finishes with three happy jumps (1 min).
Rules
- The tribe copies the leader; nobody passes.
- Leaders pick moves everyone can do safely.
- Lines don't cross: if two tribes get close, change direction.
- Monkey sounds stay short and quiet.
Variations
Easier
Use one big tribe with the teacher as leader the whole time.
Standard
Tribes of five switch leaders on the word "Banana!"
Harder
The leader does two moves in a row and the tribe must remember and repeat them in order.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: leads with arm and trunk moves that the tribe copies in place.
- Autism or shyness: may choose not to lead and be the last in line, the "lookout."
- Fitness level: leaders adjust the pace; tired students move to the back and walk.
Learning goals
- Copy a classmate's movements with attention.
- Suggest varied movements while leading a group.
- Warm up the body gradually through play.
Teacher tip
Remind leaders that their job is to be followed, not to lose the tribe. Toss out movement ideas if they go blank.
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