Statues in the Wind
Children are statues in a park. The coach is the wind: a gentle breeze makes them sway, a gust makes them lean, a storm makes them wobble, and calm makes them stand tall. Balance, with a story.
Overview
You need
No equipment neededOptional: Scarves
Skills developed
- Stability: controlled leaning without stepping
- Body control: matching effort to a cue
- Listening: responding to changing calls
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Children stand in a space, feet a little apart, arms by their sides.
2Step 2
Coach stands at the front and explains the four winds.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- BREEZE: sway gently side to side. GUST: lean as far as you can without moving your feet. STORM: wobble everywhere but stay standing. CALM: stand perfectly still and tall.
- Call the winds in any order. Anyone who steps becomes the wind's helper (blows with the coach).
- Try it on one leg for the brave.
Tips for explaining
"Feet glued, everything else moves." The whole game is about not stepping.
"Bend your knees a little." Soft knees survive the storm.
Make it easier / harder
EasierBreeze and calm only, feet wide.
HarderOne leg. Eyes on a scarf the coach waves as the wind.
Safety
Arm's length between statues.
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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.