The Wave That Travels Around
Children lift the parachute one after another, without jumping ahead, so a wave travels all the way around the circle like in a stadium. It builds timing, waiting for a turn and paying attention to what the next child does.
How to play
- The teacher demonstrates the wave with four children: the first lifts and lowers, and as they lower, the next one lifts (2 min).
- Do a slow wave around the whole circle, watching the child next to you (2 min).
- The wave travels with sound: "Oooh!" going up and "Aaah!" coming down (2 min).
- The teacher plays the drum fast or slow and the wave matches that speed (2 min).
- Send two waves at once from opposite sides and watch them cross (2 min).
Rules
- Lift when your neighbor lowers, not before and not after.
- Watch the friend who passes you the wave.
- Each child lifts only their own piece of fabric.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher walks around the outside tapping each child's shoulder right when it's their turn.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, the wave travels on its own with sound.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the wave switches direction on two drum beats, and we try two waves at once.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a child in a wheelchair lifts the fabric as far as they can; the timing is what matters.
- Visual impairment: the child next to them taps their arm when passing the wave.
- Autism: place the child right after the teacher so they see the first wave up close.
Learning goals
- Wait for their moment in a group sequence.
- Watch a classmate and react to their movement.
- Adjust movement speed to a signal.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Rainbow parachute: 1
- Hand drum: 1
Teacher tip
At first everyone jumps the gun, so start with a very slow wave and praise those who wait. It works best with a wide circle and the fabric stretched.
PatioLab has "The Wave That Travels Around" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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