The Dance That Leaves a Trail
Barefoot, children dip their feet in trays of paint and dance along a long strip of butcher paper. The music tells them to take giant steps, tiptoe, or slide their feet, and the paper keeps a record of the dance. They work on rhythm, different parts of the foot, and whole-body expression.
How to play
- We tape the paper to the ground, set trays with a little paint at the start, and put the bucket and wipes at the end (2 min).
- Barefoot and off the paper, the teacher plays music and we practice three steps: giant steps, mouse tiptoes, and skater slides (2 min).
- Three at a time, children dip their feet in the tray and dance along the paper with the step the music calls for, then wash at the end and walk back around the outside (6 min).
- Second round: now each child chooses their own way to dance (spinning, sideways, little hops) when the music changes (3 min).
- We sit around the paper and look: where can we see tiptoes, giant steps, and sliding trails? (2 min).
Rules
- Dance only on the paper, and slowly, because it's a little slippery.
- When you finish, go to the wipes before stepping off.
- Wait your turn by practicing the steps beside the paper.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use just one step (slow walking), with an adult holding their hand along the paper.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use all three steps, changing with the music.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, they invent their own dance and repeat it in the second round to see if the trail looks the same.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair rolls along the paper with painted wheels (from a tray with a little paint), following the music.
- Autism: if paint on skin is too much, they can dance in old socks or with plastic bags over their feet.
- Visual impairment: an adult holds their hand and they feel the paper's edge with their feet; the music tells them when to change steps.
Learning goals
- Match steps to the rhythm of the music.
- Explore different parts of the foot: heel, toes, sole.
- Enjoy creating artwork with the body.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Butcher paper roll: 1
- Washable paint: 3
- Trays: 3
- Music
- Wipes and a bucket of water: 1
Teacher tip
Use very little paint in the trays; too much is slippery and splashes. Put an adult at the end of the paper with wipes, or painted feet will end up all over the yard.
PatioLab has "The Dance That Leaves a Trail" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for Elementary
"Al Pasar la Barca" Parachute Rowing
Sitting around the parachute, children row by pulling the fabric toward them and letting it go toward the middle to the rhythm of the traditional Spanish song "Al pasar…
"Corro de la Patata" Parachute Circle
Children circle with the parachute while singing the traditional Spanish song "Al corro de la patata" (Potato Circle), and on "achupé, achupé" everyone sits down…
"El Patio de Mi Casa" Parachute Song
Children sing the traditional Spanish ring song "El patio de mi casa" while circling with the parachute and lowering it to the ground on "agáchate" (squat down).
"Que Llueva" Parachute Rain
Using the traditional Spanish children's song "Que llueva, que llueva" (Let It Rain), children make rain, clouds and sun with the parachute, and some hide underneath as…
«A la Zapatilla por Detrás»: The Slipper Behind Your Back
Sitting in a circle with eyes covered, one child walks around the outside with a slipper singing the traditional Spanish rhyme «A la zapatilla por detrás» («the…
«A Tapar la Calle»: The Chain That Blocks the Street
Half the class forms a hand-in-hand chain that walks forward singing the traditional Spanish song «A tapar la calle» («Block the street so nobody passes»), while the…