My Helper Holds My Hand on the Course

In pairs, one child goes through a simple course of a bench, hoops and mats while the other is their helper: holding their hand, cheering them on and telling them where to go. It works on balance on the move and on offering and asking for help.

How to play

1. We all walk the course behind the teacher to get to know it: low bench, hoop path, a mat for rolling and a cone slalom (2 min).
2. In pairs: one child does the course and the helper walks alongside, holding their hand on the bench and cheering them on all the way (3 min).
3. We switch: the helper goes through and the other child helps (3 min).
4. Less and less help: first holding hands, then just one finger, and finally only with words (2 min).
5. Groups of four do the course as a train, helping each other wherever needed (2 min).
6. We put the equipment away in pairs, carrying big things two by two (2 min).

Rules

• The helper walks alongside and never pushes.
• If I need help, I ask: “Can you hold my hand?”
• On the bench, one at a time.
• When we finish, we high-five our helper.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they follow an adapted cone path at their level and can be a helper giving directions.
• Autism: keep the same partner the whole game and post a picture showing the order of the stations.
• Visual impairment: the helper describes each station before they reach it and never lets go on the bench.

Learning goals

• Keep balance while moving.
• Offer help to a classmate safely.
• Feel confident asking for help when needed.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Low balance benches: 2
• Mats: 4
• Hoops: 6
• Cones: 6

Teacher tip

Put mats on both sides of the bench and stay right next to it yourself. Practice the phrase “Can you hold my hand?” out loud before starting: many kids find it hard to ask for help.

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