Shadows Holding Hands

In pairs and then in groups, children position their bodies so their shadows hold hands, high-five or hug without the children actually touching. It works on spatial perception and cooperation.

How to play

1. The teacher and a child demonstrate: standing apart, they move their arms until the shadows of their hands meet… and the shadows hold hands without touching! (1 min).
2. In pairs, side by side with your backs to the sun, make your shadows hold hands (2 min).
3. The shadows high-five, then hug: open your arms and move closer until the shadows meet (2 min).
4. Shadow hat: use the shadow of your hand to cover the shadow of your partner’s head (2 min).
5. In groups of four, make a shadow train: each shadow touches the shoulder of the shadow in front and the train walks without breaking (3 min).
6. The whole class makes a big circle of shadows holding hands and looks at it on the ground (2 min).

Rules

• Shadows touch, bodies don’t.
• Look at the ground, never at the sun.
• Wait until your partner is ready.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: their partner moves to find their shadow; they lead the train.
• Autism: great for children who avoid touch, since it’s played without contact; start with the teacher as partner.
• Visual impairment: the partner says “closer” or “farther” and claps to celebrate when the shadows meet.

Learning goals

• Adjust body distance and position.
• Cooperate to make a shape.
• Understand that the shadow changes as we move.

Teacher tip

You need low sun and smooth, light-colored ground. Start everyone with the sun at their backs; if partners stand one in front of the other, the shadows overlap and kids get frustrated.

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