Sock Poi: Swinging Like in New Zealand

We try poi, a Māori dance from New Zealand where performers swing balls on cords to the rhythm of songs, using homemade sock poi. Children practice arm coordination, rhythm and controlling an object.

How to play

1. The teacher shows a short video or photos of poi and explains it's a traditional Māori dance performed in New Zealand by women, men, girls and boys. Each child gets a sock poi (2 min).
2. Holding the end of the sock, swing it forward and back like a pendulum, first with one hand and then the other (2 min).
3. Make slow circles at your side to the teacher's count: "Spin, spin, stop" (3 min).
4. Rhythm taps: tap the poi against your other palm, your thigh and your shoulder to a count of four (3 min).
5. Finish together with a little dance: swing, circle and tap, then lay the poi down to rest (2 min).

Rules

• Stay in your spot with arms out, not touching anyone.
• The poi spins at your side, never toward your face.
• When the teacher says "stop," the poi rests.
• No throwing the poi.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: do the moves seated, with a shorter sock so it doesn't hit the wheels.
• Less coordination: make the poi shorter, with the ball closer to the hand.
• Visual impairment: use brightly colored socks and pair each move with the same word ("pendulum," "wheel," "tap").

Learning goals

• Control an object swinging from the arm.
• Follow a rhythm with arm movements.
• Learn about poi, a Māori tradition from New Zealand.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Long socks: 25
• Soft balls: 25

Teacher tip

Put an orange-sized soft ball in the toe of a long sock and tie a knot. Space kids out well: at least two arms and a sock length apart.

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