The Hand-Holding Forest

Standing in a circle holding hands, children all do tree pose at once and hold each other up to stay balanced. They discover that a whole forest handles the wind better than one tree alone.

How to play

1. Standing in a circle holding hands, each child first tries tree alone to see how hard it is (2 min).
2. Now the whole forest: holding on, everyone lifts the same foot to the ankle or calf and holds for a count of five (2 min).
3. Here comes the breeze: the forest sways slowly side to side without letting go or putting the foot down (2 min).
4. Switch feet while the teacher tells a short story of soft wind and strong wind; in strong wind, the forest holds on tighter (2 min).
5. The trees let go, lower their arms slowly and sit down in the circle (2 min).

Rules

• I don't let go of my friends' hands.
• If someone falls, we wait and start again.
• The forest moves slowly, no pulling.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: join the circle seated in a chair or on the floor, making the tree with the arms.
• Visual impairment: stand between two buddies who call out each change.
• Less balance: stand next to the teacher, who holds their hand more firmly.

Learning goals

• Balance with others' help.
• Coordinate with the whole group.
• Experience helping as something positive.

Teacher tip

With a big group, make two circles. Before starting, practice «we wait»: if a tree puts its foot down, the whole forest stops and waits.

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