The Centipede Marches to the Beat
In lines of five or six, with hands on the shoulders of the child in front, children form centipedes that step together to the drumbeat, fast, slow, and stopping in the silence. Children practice syncing their steps with the beat and with classmates.
How to play
- Practice alone: one step on each drumbeat, first with any foot, then alternating feet (2 min).
- Form centipedes of five or six with hands on the shoulders of the child in front; the head of the centipede leads (2 min).
- The centipedes walk around the yard to a slow beat, all feet together (3 min).
- The drum speeds up and slows down, and in the silence the centipedes stop without bumping; switch the head (3 min).
- All the centipedes join into one giant centipede and take a slow lap of the yard until they stop (2 min).
Rules
- Hands stay on your friend's shoulders.
- All feet together, with the drum.
- The head goes slowly so no one lets go.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use centipedes of three children with only a slow beat and stopping.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use centipedes of five with speed changes.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, on a loud beat the centipede changes direction following the head.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a wheelchair user can be the head and the others follow.
- Visual impairment: place the child in the middle of the line for security in front and behind.
- Autism: if touch is hard, link the line with scarves or a short rope instead of shoulders.
Learning goals
- Sync steps with the beat and the group.
- Adjust speed as a group.
- Cooperate so no one lets go.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tambor: 1
Teacher tip
Long lines break apart quickly, so start short. The centipede works best with a calm child as the head; rotate so everyone gets a turn.
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