The Ugly Duckling Learns to Fly
An Ugly Duckling movement story: kids act out the duckling's sadness, the cold winter and the joy of becoming a swan, flying with fabric wings. They practice showing feelings, animal movements and respect for those who are different.
How to play
- Sitting circle (2 min): 'One little duckling looked different from his brothers and sisters and felt sad.' Ask: 'What does your body look like when you're sad?' Everyone shows it: head down, shoulders droopy.
- The ducks (3 min): scattered, kids waddle in a squat like ducks, swim in the pond with arm strokes and shake off the water. The ugly duckling walks alone and slowly, with a sad body.
- Winter (2 min): make wind sounds with your voice. Kids curl into a ball and shiver. Then the sun comes out and they slowly stretch out.
- Learning to fly (4 min): each child holds a colored fabric by two corners: their wings. With music, flap in place, then run gently and glide; when the music stops, land softly by bending down.
- We're swans! (3 min): walk tall, neck long, proud. Lead the flock: everyone flies behind one swan, and each time the music stops a new leader takes over.
Rules
- Fly looking for open space so you don't bump.
- Don't throw the fabric or flick it at faces.
- Land by bending your knees.
- Every swan belongs in the flock.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, skip the flock; everyone flies freely copying the teacher.
Standard
Tell all five parts as written.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, fly in pairs holding the same fabric without letting go.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: fly with the fabric in the wheelchair and show feelings with face and arms.
- Shy kids: start flying next to the teacher, then join the flock.
- More skilled kids lead the flock; less skilled kids use a smaller fabric held in one hand.
Learning goals
- Show sadness, cold and happiness with the body.
- Move like ducks and swans.
- Appreciate that everyone is different and special.
Equipment for a class of 25
- colored fabric pieces: 20
- music: 1
Teacher tip
Name the feelings as kids act them out; it helps them recognize them. Finish with one short line: 'We're all different, and we can all fly.'
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