The Accordion Line: Whoosh and Squeak
Standing side by side in a line and holding hands, children are a giant accordion that stretches out with side steps and squeezes in with tiny steps to the teacher's rhythm. It builds rhythm, side-stepping and moving in sync with the group.
How to play
- Line up side by side holding hands, like the folds of an accordion (1 min).
- Open the accordion: step sideways until arms are stretched, saying "whooosh" (1 min).
- Close the accordion: tiny steps until shoulders touch, saying "squeak" (1 min).
- The teacher plays the accordion fast and slow with their hands and the line follows the rhythm (1 min).
- Play our song: open, close, up on tiptoes and down in a crouch (1 min).
Rules
- I don't let go.
- I open until my arm is straight, without pulling.
- I move at the same time as my friends.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, short lines of four or five, just opening and closing slowly.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, the whole class in one line, with speed changes.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, two accordions facing each other open and close together, like a mirror.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child is at one end of the line and moves their arms to open and close while the others step.
- Hearing loss: the teacher makes a huge accordion-playing gesture so the rhythm is easy to see.
- Less skilled children: they go in the middle of the line, where they barely need to move.
Learning goals
- Step sideways with control.
- Follow a set rhythm.
- Coordinate movement with the whole group.
Teacher tip
Put two calm children at the ends: if the end kids rush, the line breaks. Ham up the sounds; the "squeak" makes them laugh and they squeeze together on their own.
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