The Wind Weaves Between the Trees
Children are gusts of wind weaving between a row of trees, following the beat of a hand drum. It gets the body going and practices changes of direction.
How to play
- Pick a row of well-spaced trees and the teacher shows the path, weaving in and out very slowly (1 min).
- We're a breeze: everyone goes through single file, walking with arms open to brush the air (1 min).
- With a fast drum we're a strong wind and jog the curves; with a slow drum, a walking breeze (2 min).
- On a loud drum beat, 'the wind stops': everyone hugs the nearest tree (1 min).
- Finish as a gentle breeze drifting back to the meeting spot, blowing softly (1 min).
Rules
- We go around both sides of each tree, no cutting through.
- If someone is in front, the wind goes around them, never pushes.
- Loud beat: the wind stands still.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, three or four widely spaced trees, always walking behind the teacher.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, switch between walking and jogging with the drum.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, weave on the way out and come straight back along the outside, touching each trunk as they pass.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: use the paved path along the trees, turning the wheelchair at each one.
- Visual impairment: the child holds a buddy's hand who says 'curve right' or 'curve left.'
- Higher skill level: weave a short flat stretch walking backward, with an adult nearby.
Learning goals
- Warm up with varied movement.
- Change direction around natural obstacles.
- Match speed to the drum beat.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Hand drum: 1
Teacher tip
Choose trees with no raised roots or low branches at face height. Walk the course until they can do it on their own before you speed things up.
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