Pioneering Gateway with Square Lashings
Groups of five use poles and twine to build a square frame like a small goal, joining the corners with square lashings and bracing it with a diagonal. Students practice lashing technique, cooperate by splitting up roles, and test how sturdy a structure is.
How to play
- Demo (5 min): the teacher shows a square lashing on two crossed poles: starting clove hitch, three wraps, three frapping turns, and a finishing clove hitch.
- Practice (6 min): in pairs, each student ties two lashings on poles lying on the ground while the other pair in the group checks that they don't twist.
- Groups of five get five poles and five 10-foot pieces of twine; assign roles: two lashers, two holders, and one supervisor.
- Build (12 min): lay four poles in a square on the ground and add the fifth as a diagonal brace, lashed at both ends.
- Test (4 min): two students raise the frame upright and the teacher gently shakes it; if it holds its shape, the group earns its gateway.
- Wrap-up (3 min): each group takes the frame apart, coils the twine, and explains which lashing was hardest and why.
Rules
- Carry poles upright and never swing them or rest them on your head.
- Build the frame flat on the ground; it is only lifted during the test, held by two people.
- Every group member ties at least one complete lashing.
Variations
Easier
Build a triangle with three poles, which is more stable and needs fewer lashings.
Standard
Build the square with one diagonal and five lashings in 12 minutes.
Harder
Add a second diagonal with a diagonal lashing where they cross in the middle, and time it.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student supervises from a table at working height and lashes one corner placed on it.
- Shyness or autism: give a picture card with the lashing steps and a fixed role in the group.
- Skill level: groups that finish early coach another group using words only, without touching the twine.
Learning goals
- Tie tight square lashings following an ordered sequence.
- Work together on a building project by sharing roles.
- Judge whether a structure is safe and solid before using it.
Equipment for a class of 25
- poles: 25
- twine: 25
- stopwatch: 1
Teacher tip
The typical mistake is loose wraps, so keep reminding students to pull each frapping turn tight. Pre-cut extra twine so no time is lost.
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