The Peace Chain Holds On

Holding hands, children travel a small obstacle course in pairs, then in groups of four, eight and finally the whole class, never letting go. It works matching movement with others and the idea that peace means looking after each other together.

How to play

1. Talk about how peace means taking care of each other and never leaving anyone behind; set up a simple course: go around cones, step inside hoops and cross a mat (2 min).
2. Pairs holding hands travel the course without letting go, waiting for each other at every obstacle (3 min).
3. Each pair joins another: chains of four travel the course without breaking (3 min).
4. Chains of four join into chains of eight, and the front child goes slowly so no one lets go (3 min).
5. The whole class in one chain: circle the playground, close a big ring and send a hand squeeze all the way around (3 min).

Rules

• Hands stay together; if they come apart, we stop and hold on again.
• The leader goes slowly and looks back.
• We wait for whoever is slowest.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the chain links to the wheelchair with a scarf, and the course skips the mat or uses a ramp.
• Visual impairment: the child goes in the middle of the chain and neighbors announce each obstacle.
• Autism: if holding hands is uncomfortable, the child joins by holding a scarf shared with a partner.

Learning goals

• Coordinate travel with several classmates at once.
• Get past simple obstacles as a group.
• Experience cooperation and looking after everyone.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cones: 6
• Hoops: 6
• Mats: 2

Teacher tip

Speed is the real challenge: the leader always rushes. Put calmer children at the front and remind them, “The chain goes at the slowest friend’s pace.”

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