Two-Step Brakes

Children learn to stop without falling or bumping: when they hear "brakes!" they bend their knees a little and stop in two small steps. It builds braking technique and body control when changing speed, which also helps them on the street.

How to play

1. The teacher shows how to brake: on "brakes!" we bend our knees a little and take two short steps saying "one, two," then freeze (2 min).
2. Walk fast around the playground and practice braking (2 min).
3. Jog and brake with arms slightly out for balance (2 min).
4. Run like race cars and brake in two little steps; the teacher counts out loud with us (3 min).
5. Final gentle brake, then park sitting down (1 min).

Rules

• We stop in two little steps, no more.
• Knees a little bent so we don't fall.
• We look ahead so we don't bump.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: brake the wheelchair in two pushes with the hands or with a buddy pushing, always slowly.
• Hearing impairment: pair "brakes!" with an open palm forward like a crossing guard.
• Less coordination: brake in three small steps, and walk before moving on to jogging.

Learning goals

• Stop safely in a short space.
• Control the body going from running to stopping.
• Prevent falls and bumps in play and on the street.

Teacher tip

Play on a non-slip surface away from walls. Connect it to the street: "This is how we stop before the curb."

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