Two Ribbons: Wings, Oars and Windmills

With a short ribbon in each hand, children try moving both arms at once: together like bird wings, alternating like oars or a swimmer, and in circles like windmills. It builds coordination between both sides of the body and the difference between matching and alternating movements.

How to play

1. Each child takes two short ribbons and we check that both hands are awake: shake them, then hold them still (1 min).
2. Bird wings: both arms go up and down together as we fly around the yard (3 min).
3. Rowing oars: sitting on the floor, one arm goes forward and the other back, then switch (2 min).
4. Swimmers: standing, one arm and then the other over the head, like in the pool (2 min).
5. Windmills: both arms draw big circles at the sides, first forward and then backward (2 min).
6. Mix-up: the teacher calls "bird," "oars," "swimmer" or "windmill" and we switch (2 min).

Rules

• Both hands work; neither one falls asleep.
• I leave space at my sides for both ribbons.
• If they tangle, I stop, shake them loose and start again.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: every move works from the wheelchair, and the oars need no change at all.
• Less skill: sew ribbons onto fabric wristbands so there's no wand to grip.
• One weaker arm: a ribbon wand in the stronger hand and a wristband with a short ribbon on the other, without expecting symmetry.

Learning goals

• Coordinate both arms at once.
• Tell matching from alternating movements.
• Act out familiar actions with the body.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cintas de tela con palito: 50
• música

Teacher tip

Use ribbons shorter than usual (about three feet) so they don't tangle. If there aren't enough for everyone, half the class plays water or wind, then switch.

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