The Movement Clothesline

The teacher hangs 2 to 4 picture cards of movements on a clothesline, and the group does them in order, first to last, like reading. It works on first, next and last with the body.

How to play

1. Tie a rope between two chairs at the kids' eye level; show the 8 cards (jump, crouch, spin, crawl, clap, stretch, hop on one foot, sit) and try each one (3 min).
2. Two-card clothesline: “First jump, then crouch.” Everyone does it together a few times (2 min).
3. Three cards: add “last.” The teacher points to each clothespin as we go (3 min).
4. Four cards: do the whole series, then repeat it twice in a row without stopping (2 min).
5. A child moves one card: what changed? Do it in the new order (3 min).
6. Take the cards down one by one, naming what came first, next and last (1 min).

Rules

• I start with the first card on the line.
• I finish one move before starting the next.
• Only the teacher or a chosen helper handles the clothespins.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: cards with seated options (clap, arms up, twist, touch your feet).
• Autism: the clothesline works as a visual schedule; let the child take each card down when it's done.
• Visual impairment: big, high-contrast cards, and the teacher says the order out loud before starting.

Learning goals

• Perform a sequence of 2 to 4 movements in order.
• Use the words first, next and last.
• Remember and rearrange a series.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Rope: 1
• Clothespins: 8
• Movement cards: 8

Teacher tip

Always hang the first card on the children's left, not yours: check the line from their side. Kids tend to start with their favorite card, so a stuffed animal or arrow at the start of the rope helps.

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