The Sun That Stretches Into a Snake

Holding hands, the group switches from a circle (the sun) to a line (the snake) and back, following the teacher's story without letting go or rushing. It builds spatial organization, switching formations and moving as a group.

How to play

1. In a hand-holding circle, we're a round, shining sun: raise and lower arms together (1 min).
2. The teacher lets go of one hand and says, “The sun stretches into a snake,” gently leading the chain into a line (2 min).
3. The snake winds around the playground in S-shapes, slowly with small steps (2 min).
4. On two drumbeats, “the snake bites its tail”: the head finds the tail and we're a sun again (2 min).
5. Repeat with a new head and add twists: the snake goes under a bridge made by two kids, the sun turns the other way (3 min).
6. Finish as a sun and sit down slowly all together (2 min).

Rules

• Don't let go of hands.
• The snake goes slowly; nobody pulls.
• When becoming the sun, wait for the head to find the tail.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child is the head or tail so they set the pace, holding a scarf instead of a hand if needed.
• Visual impairment: place the child in the middle holding two classmates' hands who call out the turns.
• Autism or touch sensitivity: connect with scarves between hands.

Learning goals

• Switch between circle and line in an orderly way.
• Move as a group while staying connected.
• Match pace with classmates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

It's the best way to teach the two formations you'll use most all year. If the snake breaks, everyone stops and the head waits; never run to catch up.

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