Ribbon Gymnasts Greet the Crowd
Children pretend to be ribbon gymnasts coming out onto the floor: they enter on tiptoe, greet the crowd, do little hops with the ribbon circling overhead and take a short run with the ribbon flying behind. It warms up the whole body with movements from rhythmic gymnastics and builds tall posture.
How to play
- The teacher explains that ribbon gymnasts walk in very tall and greet the crowd before starting; we all try it, ribbon in hand (1 min).
- We tiptoe onto the floor in a line, ribbon held still against the leg, and spread out around the yard (1 min).
- Greet the crowd: ribbon arm up, a bow to each side of the yard (1 min).
- Little hops in place with feet together while the ribbon draws circles overhead (1 min).
- A short run around the floor with the ribbon flying behind, and when the music stops, a final gymnast pose: tall and still (2 min).
Rules
- Gymnasts stand tall like a pencil.
- The ribbon flies above or behind, never toward anyone's face.
- When the music stops, strike a pose and freeze.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, do the entrance, greeting and run with the ribbon trailing, without circles while hopping.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, do the whole sequence with the teacher in front.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, each child invents a final pose and holds it for a count of five.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: do the entrance and greeting in the wheelchair, and swap hops for ribbon circles alternating both arms.
- Hearing impairment: the teacher signals the music stopping by holding arms out wide.
- Autism: show a short clip or pictures of a ribbon gymnast first and always keep the same order.
Learning goals
- Warm up the body with hops and an easy run.
- Hold a tall, upright posture.
- Try out movements from rhythmic gymnastics.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cintas de tela con palito: 25
- música
Teacher tip
If you can, show a few seconds of a real gymnast first: kids get really excited. The usual mistake is running with the ribbon in front and stepping on it; remind them the ribbon goes behind, like a tail.
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