Spinning Tops Freeze

Kids spin slowly in place like spinning tops, and when the top stops they must freeze in balance without falling. They work on body control after turning, static balance, and noticing dizziness.

How to play

1. Everyone spreads out, arms out to check they aren't touching anyone. Demonstrate: spin slowly on your feet three times and freeze like a statue with feet apart.
2. Say: "We're spinning tops." With soft tambourine taps, they spin slowly in place. Loud hit: "The top stops!" They freeze with feet apart. 2 minutes.
3. Repeat, changing direction: "now the other way," so they don't get too dizzy. 2 minutes.
4. Different tops: "low top" (spin while squatting), "tiptoe top," and when they stop, a statue with arms up high. 3 minutes.
5. Traveling top: they spin slowly while moving a little around the gym, and on the tambourine they freeze on one foot. 2 minutes.
6. Tired top: they spin slower and slower until they lie down on their back and breathe. 1 minute.

Rules

• Spin slowly, arms out, without touching anyone.
• Always spin a little one way and a little the other way.
• If I feel dizzy, I sit on the floor until it passes.
• When I stop, I look at one spot on the wall.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: turn in the wheelchair with help, or twist the upper body and arms while seated.
• Low vision or sensitivity to spinning: fewer spins, holding an adult's hand, always stopping with feet apart.
• More skilled kids stop on one foot with eyes closed; kids who need support spin only once.

Learning goals

• Recover balance after spinning.
• Control the stop on a sound signal.
• Notice dizziness and learn how to settle it.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tambourine: 1

Teacher tip

Keep spins few and always in both directions; little ones get dizzy fast. Teach the trick of looking at a picture on the wall when they stop.

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