The Crazy Rocket Balloon

The teacher lets go of an untied balloon that zooms around unpredictably, and the children track it so they can run and circle it where it lands. It builds visual tracking, running with changes of direction, and reaction.

How to play

1. Seated, the teacher blows up a balloon, doesn't tie it, and lets go: we watch it zoom around wildly (2 min).
2. We stand up: the teacher lets another go and everyone points to follow it (2 min).
3. When the rocket lands, we run and make a circle around it without touching it (3 min).
4. The teacher says how to go: crawling, hopping, slowly backward (3 min).
5. Final rocket: when it lands, we lie down like tired astronauts (2 min).

Rules

• Only the teacher blows up and launches the rocket.
• I follow it with my eyes, then run.
• We circle it without touching it.
• I watch where I'm running so I don't bump.

Variations

Adaptations

• Motor-impaired: a buddy goes with them and they arrive together; pointing from a distance counts.
• Visual impairment: the balloon has a long bright ribbon and a buddy describes the flight.
• Autism: warn them about the deflating noise and let them cover their ears if they want.

Learning goals

• Track an object with an unpredictable path.
• Run with changes of direction.
• React quickly to a cue.

Equipment for a class of 25

• globos grandes: 10

Teacher tip

Use the same balloons each time and don't let anyone else blow into them. Launch them pointing up and away from faces.

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