The Silly Weather Vane

The teacher is the weather vane on the roof, pointing a pennant to show which way the wind blows, and the children, who are leaves, run that way and change direction every time the vane turns. It works on changing direction quickly and finding their way around the space.

How to play

1. The teacher stands somewhere easy to see in the middle and explains they're a weather vane; the children are leaves spread around the playground (1 min).
2. The vane points one way: the leaves walk that way and stop when the vane lowers the pennant (2 min).
3. Now the leaves jog gently and the vane changes direction without warning: turn and head off the new way (3 min).
4. If the vane spins around, the leaves twirl in place like a whirlwind (2 min).
5. A child becomes the weather vane and points the pennant for everyone (3 min).
6. The wind dies down: the leaves float slowly to the ground and rest (1 min).

Rules

• Run where the weather vane points.
• When it changes, turn without bumping.
• When the pennant is down, freeze.
• The vane picks directions with open space.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they're the weather vane for a long turn, or move in their wheelchair the way it points, at their own pace.
• Hearing impairment: the game is visual; just make sure the vane is always in sight.
• Visual impairment: a classmate tells them the direction ("toward the door", "toward the tree").

Learning goals

• Change direction quickly on a visual signal.
• Find their way using playground landmarks.
• Make decisions when they play the weather vane.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pennant flag: 1

Teacher tip

Point toward open areas, never at a nearby wall. Use playground landmarks (the water fountain, the door, the tree) so they understand where they're heading.

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