You Help Me: The Tightrope Walker and the Helper

One child walks along a rope on the floor or a low bench like a circus tightrope walker, while a helper walks alongside and offers a hand only when asked. It builds balance, asking for and offering help, and mutual trust.

How to play

1. The teacher demonstrates with a child: the walker says “Can I have your hand?” when they need it, and the helper, walking on the floor beside them, offers it palm up (2 min).
2. In pairs, on ropes on the floor: the walker goes forward and the helper walks along without touching until asked (3 min).
3. Switch roles on the rope and try walking sideways or backward (2 min).
4. Move to the bench with mats on both sides: the helper always walks alongside offering a hand; the teacher stays by the bench (4 min).
5. Switch partners: new walkers on the bench, now with a scarf on their head that shouldn't fall (3 min).
6. Circus bow: each walker bows to their helper and says thank you (1 min).

Rules

• I ask for a hand when I need it.
• The helper offers an open hand, no pushing or pulling.
• If I fall off, I step down and start over.
• On the bench, one at a time, no passing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child follows a path between two parallel ropes in the wheelchair or walker, and the helper calls out the curves.
• Visual impairment: the helper holds hands from the start and announces the end of the bench.
• Fear or insecurity: the child can stay on the floor rope and be a helper at the bench.

Learning goals

• Improve balance on narrow surfaces.
• Ask for and offer help respectfully.
• Trust a classmate's support.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Low benches: 2
• Ropes: 6
• Mats: 4

Teacher tip

Use low benches with mats on both sides and stand right beside the bench: never more than two walkers at a time. Helpers often pull the arm; teach them, “Your hand is a handrail, not a rope.”

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