The Flag That Dances With the Drum

Children move around the yard following two signals that always go together: a flag they can see and a drum they can hear. It builds reaction to visual and sound cues and speed control.

How to play

1. Introduce both signals together: flag up and drum playing means move; flag down and drum silent means freeze (1 min).
2. Move any way you like: walking, crawling, rolling a wheelchair or dancing with arms, and stop with the signals (2 min).
3. Flag swaying slowly and soft drum: move in slow motion (1 min).
4. Flag waving fast and fast drum: move quickly, looking for open spaces so we don't bump (1 min).
5. A child leads with the flag while the teacher follows on the drum (1 min).
6. Flag on the ground and a very soft drum: walk slowly back to the circle (1 min).

Rules

• I only move when the flag is up.
• When the flag goes down, I'm a statue.
• Fast doesn't mean bumping: I look for open spaces.
• Everyone moves their own way.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard of hearing: use a big, brightly colored flag and stand on a bench so it can be seen from anywhere in the yard.
• Blind or low vision: make the drum loud and distinct; when stopping, also call out "Freeze!" and a buddy can hold their hand.
• Autism: warn before the drum gets loud; the child can wear ear defenders and watch only the flag.

Learning goals

• React to visual and sound signals at the same time.
• Adjust travel speed.
• Warm up the body before the main game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• drum: 1
• fabric flag: 1

Teacher tip

Practice the signals with everyone standing still before anyone moves. The classic mistake is forgetting to lower the flag when the drum stops: keep both signals together, or children who rely on sight miss it.

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