Pulling Water from the Well

Sitting on the ground, children pull a rope hand over hand to bring a pail up from the hoop "well," then carry the "water" to the flower pots. They build arm strength, coordinate both hands, and complete a task from start to finish.

How to play

1. Explain that long ago, water for the garden came from a well; the teacher ties a small pail to each rope and sets the pails inside the hoop well (1 min).
2. Sitting a few steps away with legs straight out, pull the rope hand over hand until the pail reaches you (3 min).
3. Add weight to the pail with two or three "water" balls and pull again, slowly so it doesn't tip (3 min).
4. Standing in pairs: one pulls the rope and the other takes the pail and carries it to a pot to water it by pouring out the balls (3 min).
5. Switch roles, then wind the ropes up into balls of yarn at the end (2 min).

Rules

• Hold the rope with your hands: never wrap it around your hand or neck.
• Pull slowly so the water doesn't spill.
• Wait for your partner to put the pail back in the well before you pull again.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child pulls from their wheelchair with the brakes on; this task suits a seated position well.
• Weaker grip: tie knots in the rope every few inches for an easier hold.
• Visual impairment: a bell tied to the pail handle lets them hear when it's close.

Learning goals

• Pull with strength using alternating hands.
• Control pulling speed so the load doesn't tip.
• Complete a useful garden task with a partner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Small pails with handles: 6
• Jump ropes: 6
• Hula hoops: 6
• Balls: 18
• Flower pots: 6

Teacher tip

Use ropes no longer than about 10 feet, tied firmly to the handle by the teacher. On a warm day with a garden, do the last round with a little real water and actually water the plants.

More main activities for Elementary