Wobbly Toys That Tip Sideways

Kneeling on a mat, children are wobbly toys: when a partner gives a gentle push on the shoulder, they tip onto their side with the arm tucked in, then come back up. They learn to fall sideways without catching themselves on a straight arm.

How to play

1. The teacher shows how a wobbly toy falls: on the knees, leans, lies on the side with the arm tucked and the head lifted, then comes back up (2 min).
2. Each child alone, kneeling, tips to one side and the other when the teacher says "Wind!" (2 min).
3. In pairs, one is the wind: very slowly pushes the shoulder with an open hand, and the wobbly toy tips sideways (3 min).
4. Switch roles, and the wind picks the side: "Wind from the window!" "Wind from the door!" (3 min).
5. The wobbly toys tip over one last time and fall asleep on their side (2 min).

Rules

• The wind blows gently, with an open hand.
• Our arm stays close to the body as we fall.
• Our head doesn't bang on the mat.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: sitting on the mat with adult support, lean to one side until resting on the elbow.
• Autism: no touching if it's bothersome; the wind really blows with the mouth or a paper fan.
• Visual impairment: the wind says "I'm going to blow" first and touches the shoulder before pushing.

Learning goals

• Fall sideways while protecting the head.
• Avoid landing on a straight arm.
• Look after a partner by controlling force.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Mats: 10

Teacher tip

Practice without partners until they see that the fall is soft, then bring in the wind. If someone pushes hard, the toy "doesn't fall"; that way they learn to adjust.

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