My Shadow Through the Obstacle Course
In pairs, one child goes through a simple obstacle course choosing how to get past each obstacle, and the other, their shadow, follows close behind doing exactly the same. It builds imitation, coordination in different movements, and trust in following someone.
How to play
- The teacher sets up the course (hoops to jump into, cones to zigzag, a bench to scoot along or crawl over, a mat to roll on) and walks it with a child shadowing behind (2 min).
- Pairs go through the course once to get to know it, one behind the other (2 min).
- The leader chooses how to pass each station (hopping, crawling, tiptoeing) and the shadow copies everything, even gestures and faces (3 min).
- Switch roles: the shadow goes in front (3 min).
- New shadow!: everyone finds a new partner and they go through side by side, copying each other at the same time like a mirror (4 min).
- The shadows get tired: they walk very slowly through the course and lie down on the last mat (1 min).
Rules
- The shadow stays behind, no passing.
- I copy what my partner does, even if it's tricky.
- I wait for the leader to finish each obstacle.
- At “New shadow!” I find someone else.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, a three-station course and the teacher suggests how to pass each one.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, the leader chooses how to pass and partners switch once.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the leader adds a gesture or sound at each station and the shadow must remember it on the next lap.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: use accessible stations (cones to zigzag, hoops on the floor to roll into) and the shadow copies the child's way of passing them.
- Different skill levels: pair a more skilled child as the shadow of a less skilled one so the pace stays comfortable.
- Visual impairment: the shadow keeps a hand on the leader's shoulder, and the leader says out loud how they're passing each obstacle.
Learning goals
- Imitate a partner's movements and poses.
- Get past obstacles in different ways.
- Lead and follow while respecting each other's pace.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Hoops: 6
- Cones: 6
- Low benches: 1
- Mats: 2
Teacher tip
Set the course in a line or a loop so pairs don't cross. Shadows tend to pass the leader: add a magic rule, “If the shadow passes, it comes unstuck and disappears,” and have them slip back behind.
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