‘Helium stick’ is a challenging outdoor/indoor activity suitable for young children of all abilities. The aim of helium stick is to work with others to pick up the stick, sounds easy, but not. This allows children to better understand team work, cooperation, and express their creativity.
Resources
- A Long Stick
- Bangles or Washers
Explanation
Group size: Ask the group to divide into two rows and stand opposite each other. Everybody needs to extend one arm and their index finger. Lay the long straight stick over their extended fingers. The rule is that they must always have their finger touching the stick. As a team they need to lower the stick to the ground.
Place bangles (or washers) on the ends of the stick to make it more challenging meaning that the group will have to keep the stick reasonably level as they are lowering it. If anyone in the group is not touching the stick with their finger or a bangle falls off the end of the stick, the group needs to start again. If the group seems to be becoming frustrated, ask them to stop the task and discuss their strategies before trying again.
Safety Tips
Do a visual scan for any trip hazards on the floor. Space awareness—make sure that everyone doesn’t bump into each other.