The Lighthouse That Turns Its Head

Children are lighthouses standing still by the sea, turning their heads to shine on the ships and looking up at seagulls and down at fish without moving their feet. It works on static balance while moving the head and eyes.

How to play

1. We become lighthouses: standing, feet together, arms by our sides, and our head is the light (2 min).
2. The light turns: we slowly move our head side to side looking for ships, without moving our feet (2 min).
3. We look up at the seagulls and down at the fish, nice and slow (2 min).
4. Lighthouse on a tiny rock: we hold on one foot while the light turns (2 min).
5. The light goes out for a moment: we close our eyes for three seconds and stay still (2 min).
6. Morning comes and the lighthouse turns off: we sit down very slowly (2 min).

Rules

• The lighthouse stays in place: only the head turns.
• I turn my head slowly, like a slow light.
• If I wobble, I put both feet down and keep shining.
• Lighthouses stand apart so their lights don't bump.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the lighthouse is done seated, with a tall back and arms by the sides.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher points to where the light goes (ship on the right, seagull up high).
• Children who get dizzy or have vestibular issues: short, slow turns with eyes always open.

Learning goals

• Hold static balance while moving the head.
• Control the gaze in different directions.
• Discover the role of sight in balance.

Teacher tip

Tape pictures of ships, seagulls, and fish on different walls at different heights so they have something to look for. Keep head turns slow: fast turning makes them dizzy.

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