Salmon Swimming Upstream
Children are salmon swimming upstream against the current to return to the place they were born: they crawl under a rippling sheet, hop over noodle waterfalls and crawl among the rocks to the river's source. Kids work on belly crawling, hands-and-knees crawling, jumping and effort toward a goal.
How to play
- The teacher explains that salmon swim from the sea back to the river where they hatched, even though the water flows the other way! We practice swimming like fish lying on the floor (2 min).
- We build the river together: rocks (foam blocks), waterfalls (noodles on blocks), the current (sheet) and the source (mats) (2 min).
- First trip: we belly-crawl under the sheet that two adults ripple like waves, crawl among the rocks and climb over the waterfalls (4 min).
- The current gets stronger: the sheet ripples faster and the noodles go up a bit; we do the trip again (4 min).
- We reach the source: we lie on the mats, happy to be home, and cheer for those arriving (2 min).
- The salmon rest: lying down, we wiggle only our tails (feet) very slowly (1 min).
Rules
- Under the sheet, I crawl with my tummy on the floor.
- At the waterfalls, I hop or climb over, however I can.
- I wait for the salmon ahead to move along a bit.
- When I arrive, I cheer for those behind me.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the sheet is still and high, the waterfalls are noodles on the floor, and they can crawl on hands and knees the whole way.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, the full course with the sheet rippling gently.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, higher waterfalls, a lower sheet and a stretch "swimming" on their backs.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: travels the river on the floor however they can, or along a parallel stretch beside an adult with no waterfalls.
- Autism: keep the sheet still for their turn or let them go along the side of the current.
- Visual impairment: feel the obstacles with their hands before starting, and a buddy calls "waterfall" or "rock" as they reach each one.
Learning goals
- Belly crawl and crawl on hands and knees past obstacles.
- Get over low obstacles by hopping or climbing.
- Keep up effort until finishing a course.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Mats: 4
- Pool noodles: 6
- Large blue sheet: 1
- Foam blocks: 8
Teacher tip
The sheet must always stay above their backs; if a child feels trapped under it, lift it right away. Build the course with the kids so they understand it and take care of it.
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