Follow the Leader
A line snakes around the room copying whatever the leader does: giant steps, tiptoes, arm waves, crouches. Then a new leader. Copying is how most movement is learned.
Overview
You need
No equipment neededOptional: Cones or markers
Skills developed
- Body awareness: copying movement
- Locomotor: many ways of travelling
- Confidence: leading the group
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Children line up behind the coach, an arm's length apart.
2Step 2
Coach leads a short lap so they see the idea.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- The leader travels around the room changing the movement every few steps: giant steps, tiny steps, tiptoe, backwards, hopping, waving arms, crouching.
- Everyone copies exactly.
- After a lap, the leader goes to the back and the next child leads.
Tips for explaining
"Copy the whole body." Arms and legs.
"Leaders, keep it slow." So the back of the line can copy.
Make it easier / harder
EasierCoach leads every time. Walking moves only.
HarderLeader changes the move every three steps. Two lines, two leaders.
Safety
Walk pace. Space between children so nobody steps on heels.
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Rather we ran it for you?
This is one of the games our coaches run in pre-schools every week, with our own equipment. Weekly enrichment, sports days, or a whole holiday programme for your centre, planned in one message.