Sailboats Change Course

Each child is a sailboat holding a sail (a scarf) and sailing the sea, changing course as the wind blows: one way, the other way, toward the colored islands. It works spatial orientation, changes of direction and right/left awareness.

How to play

1. Spread colored cones around the yard as islands. Each sailboat takes its sail (scarf) and holds it up high in one hand (2 min).
2. Sail freely with the sail in the wind, slowly, without bumping other boats (2 min).
3. The wind blows: the teacher calls “wind toward the window!” or “wind toward the door!” pointing with an arm, and all boats turn and sail that way (3 min).
4. Island trips: the teacher calls a color and each boat chooses an island of that color to reach and sail around (3 min).
5. Switch hands: two drum beats and we pass the sail to the other hand; sail in the right hand, circle the island to the right; sail in the left, circle to the left (3 min).
6. The wind dies down: lower the sail slowly and drift into harbor walking very slowly (1 min).

Rules

• Keep the sail up while sailing.
• Several boats fit at each island, but no bumping.
• When the wind changes, everyone turns.
• If someone mixes up sides, we help by pointing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child in a wheelchair sails with the scarf tied to the chair and a partner pushing, or plays the wind pointing the way.
• Hearing impairment: signal the wind only with an arm and a card in the island's color.
• Autism: a wristband or scarf of the same color on the right hand gives a fixed reference.

Learning goals

• Change direction on a cue.
• Begin using right and left.
• Choose a destination within the game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Scarves: 25
• Colored cones: 12
• Hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

Put a sticker or band on everyone's right hand before starting: it saves a lot of confusion. When giving side cues, turn your back to the group so your right is their right.

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