Side Step, Cross Step

The circle turns with crab-like side steps, switches direction with a chant, and the older ones try a crossover step. It builds leg coordination when moving sideways and group rhythm.

How to play

1. Without holding hands, the teacher shows the crab step: one foot steps out to the side and the other joins it, saying "step, together" (2 min).
2. Holding hands, the circle turns with crab steps and the chant "Side step, close step, round we go, little by little, nice and slow!"; on "other way!" we switch direction (2 min).
3. The drum sets the speed: slow beats, big slow steps; fast beats, quick little steps (2 min).
4. New step: 4-year-olds try a sideways hop with feet together; 5-year-olds try the crossover step (one foot crosses in front of the other) very slowly (2 min).
5. Final circle dance: four steps one way, clap, four steps the other way, clap, and finish with a jump into the middle (2 min).

Rules

• Feet don't step on each other: step, together.
• The whole circle goes the same way.
• If someone gets mixed up, we stop and start again.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair moves sideways with help or keeps the beat on the drum in the middle.
• Visual impairment: the child walks between two classmates who show the direction with a light tug and the teacher says "step, together."
• Less dexterity: the child can walk forward following the circle while others go sideways.

Learning goals

• Coordinate the legs when moving sideways.
• Change direction following a verbal cue.
• Match steps to the drum and the group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

Model with your back to the group, facing the same way they are. The crossover step is hard: let them do it slowly and without holding hands at first.

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