My Dancing Shadow

In pairs, one child dances around the playground and the other follows behind like a shadow, doing the same moves. It works on spatial awareness, imitation and shared rhythm.

How to play

1. The teacher dances around the playground and explains they have a shadow stuck to them: a child follows behind doing exactly the same (1 min).
2. In pairs, one behind the other: the leader dances around to the music and the shadow follows, copying everything (3 min).
3. When the music stops, the leader freezes in a shape and the shadow makes the same shape behind (1 min).
4. Switch: the shadow moves to the front and the other becomes the shadow (3 min).
5. The shadow grows or shrinks: the leader dances low or stretched tall and the shadow copies (2 min).
6. Night falls and the shadows disappear: partners sit together on the ground (2 min).

Rules

• The shadow always stays behind and doesn't touch.
• The leader dances into empty spaces so nobody bumps.
• When the music stops, I freeze just like my partner.
• We switch when the teacher says so.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child using a wheelchair leads in front, and the shadow adapts to their pace.
• Visual impairment: the child is the shadow holding the partner's hand or shoulder, feeling the movement.
• Autism: offer the option of being the teacher's shadow instead of a classmate's.

Learning goals

• Move around the space following someone.
• Imitate movements while traveling.
• Suggest movements for someone else to follow.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Music

Teacher tip

On a sunny day, start by looking at your real shadows on the ground; they get the idea right away. Ask leaders to look where they're going.

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