Mountain Steam Train Movement Story

Little five-car trains travel over an imaginary mountain: they start slowly, climb hills, go through tunnels and stop at stations where the engine changes. It works on rhythm, moving in sync with a group and changes of speed.

How to play

1. Groups of 5 in a line, hands on the shoulders of the person in front; the first is the engine. Place 4 cones around the court as stations (30 sec).
2. Starting up: a slow "choo-choo" with arms as wheels, speeding up little by little to an easy jog (1 min).
3. The hill: the train climbs slowly with short, strong steps; going down, speed up a bit without letting go (1 min).
4. Tunnel: on "Tunnel!", the whole train walks crouched and silent until the teacher says "Light!" (1 min).
5. Stations: each train stops at a cone, the engine moves to the back and the next student drives; do all 4 stations (2 min).
6. Into the train yard: brake slowly, toot three times and everyone lets off steam by blowing and shaking out the arms (1 min 30 sec).

Rules

• No car lets go or pulls the one in front.
• The engine always looks ahead to avoid other trains.
• In the tunnel, move slowly and quietly.
• At stations, come to a full stop before switching.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: is the engine to set the pace, or the station master who signals departures.
• Visual impairment: rides in the middle of the train while the student in front calls out tunnels and hills.
• Fitness level: the engine adjusts to the slowest car.

Learning goals

• Match personal rhythm to a group's.
• Change speed and level with control.
• Take turns as the leader.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 4

Teacher tip

Group students with a similar pace. If a train goes too fast, rename it the freight train, which travels slowly.

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