9 years and older
These two games are popular at the beginning of a session, to get moving as a group, with some physical contact, reminding us in a playful way that we need each other to reach a common goal.
PLAY
Standing version:
A group of six to eight players (to start with) stands in a circle, shoulder to shoulder.They make a quarter turn to the right, so that they are standing one behind the other.
Everyone puts their outside hand on the outside shoulder of the player in front. With the inside hand everyone holds the inner leg (under the bent knee) of the person behind. The aim for the group is to move forward in balance and unison without anyone putting down their inside leg.
Variation: the same can be done with the outside leg lifted to see if it is easier jumping on the inside or outside leg. To make the game more difficult, move backwards …
Sitting version:
From the same starting position, in a circle one behind the other, the anima- tor asks everyone to take one step towards the centre of the circle, so that the inside feet are touching. The inner circle made by the feet should be as round and perfect as possible. When the group is ready, each player sits down on the knees of the player behind him simultaneously. The aim is to move forward in this sitting position, one foot after the other.
OBJECTIVES
Psychosocial: to work on respect, trust in others and strategic cooperation. The interdependence of the players and the skills of each person are the pillars of this short game. The idea of responsibility and commitment to the group can also be developed.
This will stimulate them mentally at the same time.
In the sitting version, the animator must make sure that the children play safely. In their enthusiasm they can easily fall on top of each other and thus trust can be difficult to rebuild.
The animator can motivate the children by giving precise objectives like trying to take three paces forward and then three paces backward without falling, or moving their feet for- ward following the rhythm of a song, etc.
DISCUSSION
- How did you feel about the physical contact with the others? Can you explain?
- What was the atmosphere in the group?
- Was there a leader? How did he act?
- What strategy did you use?
- Did everyone pay attention to each other? Were people cooperating?
- Etc.