By managing limited points of contact with the floor, they explore teamwork, body awareness and imaginative physical challenges.
1. Form groups
Divide the children into small groups, varying the size as needed. Explain that every group member must stay in contact with at least one other person in their team.
2. Explain the rules
Tell the children that you will call out a total number of points of contact each group is allowed to have with the floor.
3. Call out points
Give a number of contact points, such as four, six or ten and explain that the group must distribute these points among themselves creatively.
For example, in a group of four with ten points of contact, each person might place one foot and one hand on the floor, with two knees also touching the floor.
Or, if you call out four points of contact, each group member might stand on one foot while holding onto the other.
4. Work together
Give the groups a short time to plan and try out different positions, encouraging teamwork and experimentation.
5. Check and celebrate
Look at each group's solution and celebrate their creative, cooperative ideas.
This collaborative challenge encourages children to communicate, negotiate and think creatively with their bodies. It is an excellent way to build teamwork and spatial awareness in a playful, physical way.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
