The Pool Noodle Caterpillar

Groups of five link up with pool noodles, each holding the noodle in front and the one behind, to make a caterpillar that walks, munches leaves and spins a cocoon without breaking apart. It practices moving at the same pace and thinking about others while moving.

How to play

1. We build the caterpillar: the teacher hands out noodles and shows how to hold the one in front with one hand and the one behind with the other (2 min).
2. The caterpillar walks straight saying “One, two, one, two” so all the little legs move together (2 min).
3. The caterpillar looks for leaves (cones) and takes curves to “munch” them by touching them with its head (2 min).
4. The caterpillar ducks down to pass under the bridge made by the arms of the teacher and another child (2 min).
5. Two caterpillars meet, hook together with one more noodle and become a giant caterpillar (2 min).
6. The giant caterpillar slowly coils into a spiral, stays still as a cocoon and flies away as a butterfly (2 min).

Rules

• I don't let go of my noodles.
• I walk to the “One, two” beat.
• The caterpillar's head goes slowly.
• Noodles are not for hitting.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they ride as the head, setting the speed, or the noodle is attached to their wheelchair.
• Autism: they can always be the tail, which is the calmest spot, and stay with the same group the whole game.
• Visual impairment: the noodle tells them how the group is moving; the child in front calls out “curve” or “duck.”

Learning goals

• Move at the same pace as the group.
• Coordinate movement without letting go of a partner.
• Act out the caterpillar's life cycle with the body.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Pool noodles: 20
• Cones: 8

Teacher tip

Cut long noodles in half: about three feet is plenty. The head usually drags everyone along, so have them glance back every few steps to check their caterpillar is still in one piece.

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