Mountain Goats Rock to Rock
Kids move from "rock" to "rock" of different heights (steps, blocks, cushions), going up and down without touching the floor, which is a canyon. It practices adjusting each step to different heights and choosing a route.
How to play
- The teacher spreads out rocks of different heights close together, forming paths with mats underneath (2 min).
- Demo: look at the next rock, put one foot on it, then the other, and step up or down (2 min).
- Each goat finds its own path from rock to rock around the room (4 min).
- The teacher calls "High rock!" or "Low rock!" and each goat finds one like that (4 min).
- The goats stay on the comfiest rock and lie down on it (2 min).
Rules
- If I touch the floor, no problem: I climb back on.
- One goat per rock.
- Before I step, I look where my foot goes.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, rocks very close together and nearly all the same height.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, mixed heights.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, rocks a bit farther apart and paths they choose themselves.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a path of flat rocks (thin mats) holding the adult's hand.
- Visual impairment: rocks touching each other so they can feel with the foot.
- Autism: a color-marked path so they don't have to choose if that causes anxiety.
Learning goals
- Step up and down between surfaces of different heights.
- Make choices about the route.
- Keep balance when shifting support.
Equipment for a class of 25
- steps bajos: 6
- bloques de gomaespuma: 8
- cojines: 6
- colchonetas: 6
Teacher tip
Cushions are the wobbly rock: place them only between firm blocks and never as the first rock. If there's a traffic jam, call out "Goats, find another way!".
PatioLab has "Mountain Goats Rock to Rock" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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