The Flower That Opens and Closes
Children walk toward the middle with the parachute to close the flower and backward to open it, trying different ways of walking. It works on near-far and in-out concepts and walking backward.
How to play
- In a circle holding the fabric, the teacher explains that we are one giant flower: when we walk to the middle it closes; when we walk away it opens (1 min).
- Close the flower by walking to the middle with tiny steps, bringing hands together with the fabric up (1 min).
- Open the flower by walking backward very slowly until the fabric is stretched tight (1 min).
- Repeat in other ways: close on tiptoes and open with giant steps; close crouching and open stretching tall (1 min).
- Finish with the flower opening to the sun: tiptoes, fabric up, then slowly lower the arms (1 min).
Rules
- We walk backward very slowly.
- No pushing in the middle: the flower closes gently.
- Keep holding the fabric the whole time.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, close and open with normal walking, with the teacher in the middle as the pollen they move toward.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use different ways of walking and count the steps.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the flower opens in the number of steps the teacher calls (three, five...) and closes in the same number.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair stays in place and closes and opens the flower by bringing the arms in and out; the others adjust the distance.
- Visual impairment: the child holds a classmate's hand and feels through the fabric when it is tight or loose.
- More skilled: challenge them to close the flower without the fabric ever touching the ground.
Learning goals
- Tell near from far and in from out.
- Walk backward with control.
- Move at the same time as the group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Rainbow parachute: 1
Teacher tip
When walking backward, check that there are no benches or walls nearby. If they squish together in the middle, stop with a "Shh, the flower is asleep!" and open it again.
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