My Partner Takes Off and I Follow
In pairs, side by side, one child secretly decides when to sprint to the cone, and the partner has to react and follow as soon as possible; then they switch. It practices reacting to another person's movement and starting together.
How to play
- Make pairs, each with a lane and a cone about 20 feet away; they stand shoulder to shoulder at the start (2 min).
- The leader waits a moment, with no warning, and sprints to the cone; the shadow goes as soon as they see them move, and they high-five at the end (3 min).
- Switch roles; the shadow can't stare at the leader's feet, only look ahead and watch out of the corner of their eye (2 min).
- Starts from other positions: both sitting, both kneeling or both squatting (3 min).
- Together round: they reach the cone, hold hands and jog back at the same time (1 min).
Rules
- The leader goes whenever they want, with no fake-outs.
- The shadow goes after, not before.
- When I get there, I high-five my partner.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the leader claps before going and the shadow runs after.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, no clap: the shadow reacts to movement.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the leader can run to the cone or backward to another cone, and the shadow follows wherever they go.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair can be the leader; the partner matches their pace and they arrive together.
- Visual impairment: partners hold the ends of a scarf, and the shadow feels the tug when the leader goes.
- Autism: pair the child with a familiar classmate and keep the same turn-taking pattern.
Learning goals
- React to another person's movement.
- Take off running from different positions.
- Cooperate with a partner, taking turns in each role.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Cones: 12
Teacher tip
Explain this isn't about tagging anyone: the shadow just wants to stay close to their partner. If someone fakes out to trick, remind them the leader really goes.
PatioLab has "My Partner Takes Off and I Follow" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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