Two-Child Dragons Flap Their Wings
In pairs, children form a dragon: the one in front is the head who leads, and the one behind, holding the leader's waist, carries the scarf wings. Together they fly through the kingdom, coordinating steps, rhythm and direction.
How to play
- Make pairs; the front child is the head and the back child holds the head's waist gently and grips the scarf like wings (2 min).
- The dragon's first steps: walk slowly without letting go, the head watches where it's going (2 min).
- With music, the dragon flies around the playground: the head chooses the path and the wings flap up and down (2 min).
- When the music stops, the dragon lands: both crouch down together (2 min).
- Switch: the head becomes the wings and the wings become the head (3 min).
- Dragons go to sleep in their cave and sit together, breathing slowly (1 min).
Rules
- The child in back holds on gently, no pulling.
- The head walks slowly so its tail doesn't fall.
- Dragons don't bump into other dragons.
- When the music stops, we both land.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, partners hold hands side by side and each flaps one wing-arm.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, one behind the other holding the waist.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, three-child dragons (head, body and tail) that rise and crouch together to the beat.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: be the dragon's head in the wheelchair with a partner behind holding the wings, or switch roles with an adult helping push.
- Visual impairment: be the wings behind a head who calls out "turning" or "stopping."
- Autism: choose a trusted partner and allow holding hands instead of holding the waist if touch is uncomfortable.
Learning goals
- Coordinate one's own movement with a partner's.
- Lead and be led with care.
- Keep a shared walking rhythm in pairs.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large scarves: 13
- Music
Teacher tip
Make the pairs yourself to balance size and pace. The typical mistake is the head taking off and dragging the partner: keep repeating "the head takes care of its tail."
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