The North Wind and the Sun
Based on the classic fable: the North Wind and the Sun compete to get a traveler's coat off; the kids are travelers walking against the wind while holding on to their vest, and when the sun comes out, they take it off themselves because it's warm. Kids work on strength and balance pushing against the wind and on the idea that gentleness wins more than force.
How to play
- The teacher tells the fable of the North Wind and the Sun with gestures, and each child puts on a pinnie like a coat (3 min).
- Travelers on the road: we walk calmly around the playground with our coats on (1 min).
- The North Wind blows (the teacher with the fan): we lean forward, take heavy steps, hold our coats tight and stay on our feet (3 min).
- In pairs, one is the wind, pushing very gently with palms on the other's shoulders, and the traveler holds steady; then switch (3 min).
- The sun comes out: it gets warmer and warmer, we walk slowly, fan ourselves with our hands, take off our coats and lie down to sunbathe (3 min).
- A quick chat: who won, the one who blew the hardest or the one who warmed up little by little? (1 min).
Rules
- The wind pushes gently with open hands.
- I hold my coat and stand strong with my feet planted.
- When the sun comes out, I take off my coat by myself.
- If my partner says "Stop!", I stop.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, no partner pushing: just the teacher's wind and travelers leaning into it.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, the full story with gentle partner pushes.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the traveler tries different foot positions (together, apart, one in front) to find which holds best against the wind.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: resists the wind by pressing hands against a partner's hands from the wheelchair.
- Autism: push through a mat or cushion, or with the teacher, if touching classmates is uncomfortable.
- Hearing loss: the teacher tells the fable with pictures as well as words.
Learning goals
- Keep balance while resisting a gentle push.
- Learn and act out a traditional fable.
- Discover that calm and patience can get things done too.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Pinnies or vests: 25
- Large cardboard fan: 1
- Cardboard sun on a stick: 1
Teacher tip
This fable is Aesop's and in the public domain; the shortest version works best with little ones. Demonstrate the push with a child first: open palms on shoulders, never on the chest and never a shove.
PatioLab has "The North Wind and the Sun" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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