When the Song Ends, I Pass It On

There are a few very popular items (stilts, ribbons, giant ball, hoops), and the rule is you use them while a short song plays; when it ends, you pass to the next friend saying 'Here, your turn.' It builds handling different equipment, sharing and managing 'I want it.'

How to play

1. The teacher shows the star equipment and how to use each one: stilts for walking, ribbons for drawing in the air, giant ball for pushing, hoops for spinning (2 min).
2. Form small groups; each group has one item and sits in a line next to it. The teacher explains: 'While the song plays, it's yours; when it stops, you pass it' (1 min).
3. Music plays (one minute): the first child in each group plays with the item; the others copy without it, as if they had one (3 min).
4. Music stops: the child hands the item to the next one saying 'Here, your turn,' and they answer 'Thank you' (3 min).
5. When everyone has used their item, groups rotate stations and start again (5 min).
6. At the end, each group shares which item they liked best (1 min).

Rules

• The item is mine while the song plays.
• When it stops, I hand it over and say 'Here, your turn.'
• While I wait, I copy the child who's playing.
• Nobody grabs equipment from anyone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: their station has a seated version (ribbon, giant ball pushed with arms).
• Autism: a sand timer or visual timer next to the music shows how long until the switch.
• Hearing impairment: besides stopping the music, the teacher holds up a 'Switch!' card.

Learning goals

• Handle different equipment with control.
• Share a popular item, respecting each person's time.
• Manage waiting and frustration when letting go.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Giant ball: 1
• Ribbon wands: 3
• Bucket stilts: 2
• Hoops: 3
• Music

Teacher tip

Pick one short instrumental track and always use the same one so they learn when it's about to end. Put the stilts group on smooth ground with an adult nearby.

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