By navigating the space using sound alone, children practise awareness of others, careful movement and ensemble responsibility, mirroring skills needed when moving safely and confidently on stage.
1. Pick the lighthouse and the boat
Ask for two volunteers. One will be the lighthouse and one will be the boat.
Ask the boat to close their eyes or turn to face the wall at one side of the room.
The lighthouse finds a space in the room and chooses a simple sound to represent their light.
2. Ask the other children to become 'rocks'
Ask the rest of the children to find their own spaces, sitting on the floor in a balanced layout. They are now rocks in the sea.
Explain that the aim of the game is for the boat to reach the lighthouse safely while keeping their eyes closed.
3. Guide the boat
The lighthouse makes their sound at intervals to guide the boat.
The rocks make a gentle warning sound if the boat comes too close, helping them avoid crashing.
With close adult supervision, invite the boat to move slowly through the space until they reach the lighthouse.
4. Swap roles
Swap roles so other children have a turn.
Keep movement slow and the space clear. This activity should always be closely supervised. Link the game to stage movement, reminding children that performers must be aware of sound, space and others at all times.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
