The Chair Wave

Sitting in a circle, children stand up with arms raised and sit back down one after another, like the wave at a stadium, and the wave travels around the circle faster or slower. It works on rhythm, anticipation and a sense of belonging to the group.

How to play

1. Chairs in a circle facing in; the teacher starts the wave and explains that I stand just as the person next to me sits (2 min).
2. First wave very slow: each child stands up, raises their arms, says “Olé!” and sits down (2 min).
3. The wave goes around the circle faster and faster, then slows down to slow motion (3 min).
4. Switch direction: the wave reverses when the teacher claps (2 min).
5. Different waves: tiptoe wave, wave with ocean sounds, wave two at a time (2 min).
6. The last wave gets very small: just lift your hands and breathe (1 min).

Rules

• I stand when the person next to me sits, not before.
• I sit all the way back, no falling.
• The wave never stops: if I miss it, I pass it on anyway.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: their wave is raising their arms high from their wheelchair.
• Hearing impairment: they watch the classmate beside them; the wave is visual and works just the same.
• Visual impairment: the classmate next to them taps their arm to signal their turn.

Learning goals

• Follow a group rhythm.
• Anticipate a classmate's movement.
• Feel part of a group moving together.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Chairs: 25

Teacher tip

Chairs must be close together and very steady. The usual mistake is everyone standing at once, so start very slowly with the teacher pointing to where the wave is.

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