The Sock Snake Travels Down the Line
A snake made of old socks stuffed and tied in a chain travels down the line, passed hand to hand over heads, under legs and to the side. It builds coordination when passing and receiving an object and cooperative group play.
How to play
- Meet the snake: several old socks stuffed with more socks and tied end to end (1 min).
- In lines of six to eight, sitting one behind the other, pass it hand to hand over your heads to the last child, who carries it back to the front (2 min).
- Standing with legs apart, pass it under your legs (2 min).
- Alternate: over, under, over, under, then pass it to the side with a twist at the waist (3 min).
- Sing "The snake goes away, hand to hand, where will it stay?" and when the song ends, whoever is holding the snake gives it a hug (2 min).
Rules
- I pass the snake, I don't throw it.
- I wait until my friend has a good hold before letting go.
- The snake always travels in the same direction.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, pass only over the head and to the side, in short lines of four.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, pass over, under and to the side.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, mix all three ways in the order the first child calls, and try two snakes at once.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child sits in line in the wheelchair and passes the snake to the side or over their head.
- Visual impairment: the friend in front says the child's name before passing, so they know when it's coming.
- Autism: the child can always be last in line and carry the snake to the front, a clear, repeating job.
Learning goals
- Pass and receive an object with control.
- Coordinate one's movement with classmates'.
- Enjoy a cooperative group game.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Sock snakes: 4
Teacher tip
Use long, thick socks stuffed with other socks and tied tight, with no buttons or glued-on eyes. Run several lines at once so everyone gets the snake in their hands often.
PatioLab has "The Sock Snake Travels Down the Line" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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