Willow in the Wind
One student stands stiff in the middle of a circle of 6 classmates and leans gently toward them, while they catch and pass the student hand to hand like a pendulum. Students practice trust, responsibility for others, and body control.
How to play
- First, in pairs, one student leans back just a few inches and the other catches them at the shoulder blades, arms bent and one foot forward (4 min, switching roles).
- Make 4 circles of 6 (one of 7), shoulder to shoulder with hands up at chest height in a spotting stance.
- A volunteer stands in the middle with body stiff, arms crossed over the chest, and eyes closed if they choose. They ask, "Ready?" and the group answers, "Ready."
- The volunteer leans just slightly, and the group gently pushes them toward another side of the circle. Each turn lasts 30 seconds (8 min, everyone gets a turn).
- 3-minute wrap-up: each group shares how it felt to be in the middle and to be a spotter.
Rules
- The group stays quiet and focused; no one gets distracted while someone is in the middle.
- Keep the lean small: the circle stands so close the person in the middle barely tips.
- Always use the "Ready?" – "Ready" check before starting.
- No one has to take a turn in the middle.
Variations
Easier
Play in groups of 3: one student sways between two close partners.
Standard
Circles of 6 with a volunteer in the middle and small leans.
Harder
The circle takes half a step back, with the teacher spotting directly.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student spots from a wheelchair or gets a seated sway with two classmates supporting the shoulders.
- Autism or anxiety: the student can stay in the circle only or do the partner version.
- Size differences: build groups balanced by height and weight.
Learning goals
- Trust the group enough to be supported.
- Take responsibility for a classmate's safety.
- Keep the body stiff and controlled.
Teacher tip
Use this only with a class that gets along well; if there's goofing around, stop the activity. Visit each circle during the first turns and correct the spotting stance.
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