Plowing Furrows with Our Feet
Children plow furrows by dragging their feet through loose soil or the sandbox, then walk along them, jump over them, and make curvy ones. They work on balance, foot control, and walking in a straight line.
How to play
- In loose garden soil or the sandbox, the teacher drags their feet to make a long line: "This is a furrow, where the seeds go" (1 min).
- Each child plows their own furrow, dragging their feet in a straight line from one side to the other (2 min).
- Walk back along your furrow heel to toe, like crossing a narrow bridge (1 min).
- Jump with feet together over your friends' furrows without stepping on them (1 min).
- Plow a curvy snake furrow and tiptoe along it (1 min).
- Everyone smooths the soil with their feet together to get the garden ready (1 min).
Rules
- Plow your own furrow; don't step on anyone else's.
- Walk slowly on the furrow, one foot in front of the other.
- Sand stays on the ground: no kicking it up.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, make short straight furrows and walk them with arms out like an airplane.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, make long furrows, jump over them, and add one curve.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, make zigzag furrows and walk them backward or with a beanbag on the head.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child makes a furrow with the wheelchair wheels or a stick and traces it by hand.
- Visual impairment: the furrow can be felt underfoot; a buddy holds hands for the jumps.
- Less balance: walk alongside the furrow with one foot in and one foot out.
Learning goals
- Improve balance by walking on a line.
- Control foot pressure and direction.
- Learn how soil is prepared before planting.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Sidewalk chalk: 25
Teacher tip
No dirt or sandbox? Each child draws a furrow with sidewalk chalk and you play the same way. With sand, remind them to move slowly so it doesn't fly into anyone's eyes.
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