The Centipede on the Rope

In groups of four or five, children form a centipede with hands on the shoulders of the child in front and walk together along a long, curvy rope. To stay on, the whole centipede has to move at the same pace and help each other balance.

How to play

1. Lay out long ropes with gentle curves and form groups of four or five (2 min).
2. Each group makes a centipede: hands on the shoulders of the child in front, with the head (the first child) holding arms out wide (2 min).
3. The centipede walks its rope slowly with every foot on top, chanting "Left, right" to keep the beat (3 min).
4. Switch heads: the last child moves to the front and the centipede walks the rope again (2 min).
5. The centipede stops at each curve, lifts one leg all together and moves on (2 min).
6. All the centipedes join into one giant centipede and walk the longest rope on the playground (1 min).

Rules

• My hands stay on the shoulders in front of me, no pushing.
• If the friend in front stops, I stop.
• The head goes slowly so no one lets go.
• If someone falls off the rope, we wait.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students who use a wheelchair are the head of the centipede, following the rope in their chair while the others follow.
• Blind or low-vision students go in the middle with hands on the shoulders of a classmate who guides them.
• Students with autism who avoid touch go last, holding a scarf held by the child in front.

Learning goals

• Keep their balance walking a rope as a group.
• Match their stepping rhythm to their classmates'.
• Cooperate and wait for anyone who needs it.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Long ropes: 6

Teacher tip

The head sets the pace for everyone, so start with calm children up front. If the centipede breaks apart, the whole thing stops and reconnects before moving on.

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