Blind WalkSimple idea with many possibilities for encouraging friendships and trust between children: kids will probably carry this over into free play. Excellent for sensory development. Objectives Children ages 3 and up are able to describe an object by physical properties: how it smells, feels, its size, shape, etc. Cog. I All children can feel objects and give names without seeing it and they can participates in imitative role playing. Cog. IV A
MaterialsBlindfold or paper bag to go over head (with breathing holes). Procedures 1. Have children sit in circle and pair off by choosing a partner. Explain to them that they are to pretend they are blind and cannot see, and are being led to a place by their non-blind partner. Tell the "blind" children that there will be an object they are to touch, climb on, and listen to, smell, etc. in order to guess what it is and where they are.
2. Blindfold one child of the pair and ask the other to lead him to an object in the classroom or an area in the classroom, e.g. ladder in gym, slide outside, paintbrush at easel, etc. Before the child takes off his blindfold, he is to describe how the object feels, smells, sounds, etc. and try to guess what it is or where he/she is.
3. After child guesses, have partners change roles. VariationSet up an obstacle course (large boxes to crawl through, cushions, scooter boards, etc.) outside or in a large indoor area. Children pair off. Discuss responsibility of leader for the safety of the person with eyes shut or wearing a blindfold. (The blindfolds are optional.) Most children will want to try it both ways.) Partners lead each other through the obstacle course, giving verbal directions to help partners avoid obstacles. Younger children usualy make irresponsible leaders, yet everyone lvoes to be led and usually follows along trustingly without peeking. Amount of adult supervision depends on the group ... be cautious about posible dangers such as swings. Follow-Up: After each pair has experienced both roles -- and as long as she or he wishes, give them both felt pens and paper. Encourage them to draw pictures about what it was like and how they felt blind-walking with their partners Adult can write on the pictures what the children dictate about the experience and the pictures they are drawing. |