Storks Back to the Nest
Kids fly around the space like storks and, on the signal, find a nest (a hoop) where they stand on one foot like a sleeping stork. It mixes moving with one-foot static balance, and nobody is ever out.
How to play
- Spread 20 hoops on the floor, well apart: these are the nests. Gather the kids and show the sleeping stork: inside the hoop, on one foot, other leg bent, arms tucked like wings.
- Say: "The storks fly out!" With soft tambourine taps, everyone flies around flapping their arms, without stepping in the nests. 1 minute.
- Hit the tambourine hard: "Back to the nest!" Each child steps into a hoop and stands on one foot while you count to five together. Two in a nest is great: they help each other. 2 minutes.
- Repeat flying and nesting several times. Each round, take away one hoop so kids have to share: two storks in one hoop, holding hands, on one foot. Nobody is left out. 5 minutes.
- Change the flying: "storks flying low" (crouched), "storks flying on tiptoes," and the nest statue on the other foot. 3 minutes.
- Finish: put all the hoops away, and all the storks gather in one giant nest made by everyone's arms. 1 minute.
Rules
- Fly without stepping on the hoops so nobody slips.
- There's always room for one more stork: nobody is left out.
- Hold hands in the nest, no pushing.
- If my foot comes down, I lift it again and keep going.
Variations
Easier
Step into the nest and freeze on both feet.
Standard
One foot in the nest for a count of five.
Harder
One foot, switching legs, sharing a nest while holding hands.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: roll to the nest and flap arms as wings; give this child a bigger hoop.
- Low vision: use high-contrast hoops and a buddy guide holding hands.
- More skilled kids freeze with eyes closed; kids who need support rest the lifted toe on the floor.
Learning goals
- Keep balance on one foot after moving.
- Find open space and choose a nest quickly.
- Share space and help a buddy keep their balance.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 20
- tambourine: 1
Teacher tip
Taking hoops away doesn't put anyone out; show it by stepping into a hoop with a child yourself. Kids love the shared nests.
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