My Paper Streamer Flies
Each child runs holding a long newspaper strip that flies behind them like a kite tail, drawing waves, circles and spirals in the air. Children work on running with changes of direction and big arm movements.
How to play
- Everyone tears a long strip of newspaper (top to bottom, it rips straighter) and holds one end (2 min).
- Walk and then run around the playground, watching the strip fly behind you (2 min).
- With music, draw in the air: waves like the sea, circles like a wheel, and a spiral (3 min).
- Run in zigzags, curves, and slowly backward so the strip never touches the ground (3 min).
- The music ends and we let the strip float down slowly, like a kite landing (2 min).
Rules
- Hold the strip by the end so it flies behind.
- Run without stepping on anyone's strip.
- If it rips, make a new one or keep going with what's left.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, short strips (arm-length) and just run and move the arm up and down.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, long strips, drawing waves and circles.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, a strip in each hand with different moves for each arm, or in pairs where one invents and the other copies.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: in a wheelchair, wave the strip while a buddy pushes, or tie it to the chair so it flies behind.
- Visual impairment: use a brightly colored or crinkly paper strip and a straight path with a buddy guide.
- Less dexterity: tape the strip to a short stick or a clothespin for an easier grip.
Learning goals
- Run with changes of direction and speed.
- Make big, flowing arm movements.
- Express shapes and rhythms with an object.
Equipment for a class of 25
- long newspaper strips: 25
- music
Teacher tip
Tear the newspaper vertically: that's the way the grain runs, so the strip comes out clean. A light breeze is perfect, but skip it on a very windy day.
PatioLab has "My Paper Streamer Flies" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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