The Giant Rock Snake

Children carry large rocks with both hands, alone or in pairs, to build a super-long snake on the ground together. It builds strength, safe lifting posture, and cooperation.

How to play

1. The teacher shows how to lift a rock: squat by bending the knees, hug the rock to your tummy, and stand up with a straight back (2 min).
2. Practice lifting and setting down your rock a few times in place, nice and slow (2 min).
3. Walk the rocks from the hoop where they're kept to the snake's head and set them one behind another (4 min).
4. The heaviest rocks are carried in pairs, one child on each side (3 min).
5. Step back to look at the snake and give it two leaf eyes; then zigzag along it without stepping on it (2 min).
6. Carry the rocks back to the hoop just as slowly, with straight backs (2 min).

Rules

• I squat by bending my knees.
• I hug the rock to my tummy and walk slowly.
• If it's too heavy, I ask a friend for help.
• Rocks get set down, never thrown.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: carry lighter rocks on the lap, or be the one who places the leaf eyes and tongue.
• Less strength: always work in pairs or use smaller rocks, but never small enough to fit in a mouth.
• Autism: give the child a set route and the same partner every time.

Learning goals

• Lift and carry weight with safe posture.
• Cooperate to move heavy objects.
• Build a group shape in space.

Equipment for a class of 25

• large rocks: 25
• hoops: 3

Teacher tip

Choose rounded rocks with no sharp edges, no bigger than a small melon, and test the weight yourself first. The usual mistake is lifting with a rounded back: correct it by demonstrating, not explaining.

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