Tightrope Walkers on the Hoop Rim

Each child has a hoop lying flat on the floor and walks around its rim like a tightrope walker in a round ring. Walking a small circle means turning with every step without losing balance.

How to play

1. Give each child a hoop lying flat on the floor, spread out from the others (1 min).
2. Walk slowly around the rim of the hoop, one way and then the other (3 min).
3. With music, walk the rim; when it stops, freeze on top of the hoop (2 min).
4. When the music stops, step out and find another empty hoop to keep walking (3 min).
5. Line the hoops up touching each other and make a path of circles, crossing from one rim to the next (2 min).
6. Put the hoops away, walking each rim one last time before picking it up (1 min).

Rules

• I step on the hoop's rim.
• When I switch hoops, I walk, I don't run.
• One friend per hoop.
• If I fall inside, I laugh and step back on the rim.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility go around the hoop on hands and knees with their hands on the rim.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: pair the music with a light or a hand signal from the teacher for "stop."
• Blind or low-vision students go barefoot to feel the hoop and stay at one hoop; an adult brings them a new one.

Learning goals

• Keep their balance walking in a circle on a narrow line.
• Turn with control in both directions.
• Match their movement to music and silence.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hoops: 25
• Music

Teacher tip

Flat plastic hoops work better than round tube hoops, which roll underfoot. If the floor is slippery, have them go barefoot.

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