A small object (such as a bottle or a pen)
Everyone lines up side-by-side; you should lead this game from outside. Have players number off. The two players at either end of the line are 1s, the players next to them are 2s, and so on. Make sure everyone knows who else has their number—have them wave or call hello, etc.—this player is their partner. In between the middle two players, place a bottle, pen, or other object on the floor. Explain that this object is the fulcrum, or center, or axis of a giant plate on which they are all balanced. Each player and his/her partner may move anywhere in the room, independent of the other players, but must always mirror each other’s movements. Additionally, both partners must stay the same distance away from the fulcrum or else the “plate” will unbalance and crash. So, if player #1 moves in close to the fulcrum, his/her partner must move in equally close. If player #2 moves to one corner, far from the fulcrum, his/her partner must move the same distance into the opposite corner. Begin the game by calling a number plus a leader, such as “Number ones, go! Sarah, you’re the leader!” Sarah’s partner (the other #1) must then follow Sarah’s lead. Gradually call other numbers until everyone is playing at once.
Describe: What were you concentrating on as you played?
Analyze: Who’s in control in this game?
Relate: What happened when there was no leader?
“Make sure you’re mirroring your partner exactly—don’t let the plate crash!” “Leader, work with your partner but keep challenging him or her!” “What happens if you change levels: get low down to the ground or jump up high?” “What if you start to interact with other players?”
Call “Switch leaders!” or “No leader!”
Michael Rohd