The Band Follows the Chalk Road

The band walks single file along a road drawn in chalk, and at each sign on the ground it changes how it walks and plays: dots, waves, squares and a narrow bridge. It builds spatial orientation and playing while walking.

How to play

1. The teacher has drawn the road and its signs ahead of time; walk it once without instruments to learn it (3 min).
2. Everyone grabs an instrument and the band sets off in a line, playing at a normal pace (2 min).
3. At each sign the band changes: dots, tiny steps and soft sound; waves, wiggly hips and play up high; square, stop and three loud beats; bridge, tiptoe with no sound (5 min).
4. Switch instruments and change who leads the line (1 min).
5. Second lap, a bit faster or walking the road backward from the end (3 min).
6. Reach the finish and put the instruments in the basket (1 min).

Rules

• Feet stay inside the road.
• Look down to spot the next sign.
• Leave space so you don't step on the friend ahead.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a wide road with no narrow parts, and signs that change the sound more than the steps.
• Visual impairment: mark the road with rope on the ground or cones, and a classmate calls out each sign.
• Autism: a card showing the four signs in order, and the option to keep the same spot in line.

Learning goals

• Follow a route marked on the ground.
• Change how you move based on visual signs.
• Coordinate walking and playing at the same time.

Equipment for a class of 25

• chalk
• homemade shakers: 10
• rhythm sticks: 8
• jingle bell bracelets: 7

Teacher tip

Draw the signs big and in different colors, with at least three steps between them so there's time to switch. If the line jams at the square, everyone stops together so nobody bumps.

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