The Statue Chain: I Join When It's My Turn

One by one, children join a giant sculpture: each picks a pose that touches the previous piece and holds still, until everyone is part of it. It builds waiting for a turn, static balance and body expression.

How to play

1. The teacher is the first piece with a simple pose (an outstretched arm, for example). She explains: 'When the drum sounds and I say your name, you join by touching someone' (2 min).
2. In order, each child comes up, picks a pose (standing, kneeling, lying down) that touches a piece already in place with a hand, foot or back, and holds still (4 min).
3. Those waiting whisper 'Where will they go?' and plan their own pose (2 min).
4. When everyone is in, the teacher takes an imaginary photo, 'Click!', and the sculpture melts slowly to the floor (2 min).
5. A second, faster sculpture in groups of six, each group making its own (2 min).

Rules

• I join when I hear my name.
• I touch the sculpture gently, without leaning on it.
• Once I'm in, I hold still like a statue.
• While I wait, I plan my pose.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they can be the first piece, seated in their wheelchair, with everyone joining to them.
• Autism: they can touch the sculpture with an object (a scarf) instead of their body.
• Visual impairment: the teacher guides their hand to the nearest piece and describes the sculpture.

Learning goals

• Wait attentively for a turn.
• Hold a still pose in contact with others.
• Create a group shape with the body.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

Poses lying on the floor give big sculptures stability; suggest them to the first few. The common mistake is leaning weight on a classmate: keep repeating 'touch, don't lean.'

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