Control · Week 10 · Program week 34
Pounce the Panther
Quiet steps · Respect
Move through a shared space at a speed that keeps the gap easy.
35 minutes · ages 3–8
Try this at home
We slowed down or stopped so we could keep space in a busy room.
- 1Walk around the kitchen while a parent moves too.
- 2If you get close, both stop, then go again.
- 3Notice who slowed down first.
Stay on the floor. If it feels wobbly, make the challenge smaller.
Talk about respect
What should change when a room gets crowded?
Look for this: They stop themselves when space disappears.
The story
Pounce slows down when the trail is busy. Fast and close is not respect, even if the feet are quiet.
Leave space. Make little noise.
What happens in class
Gather and story · 4 min
- Pounce slows down when the trail is busy. Fast and close is not respect, even if the feet are quiet.
- Control is the speed that protects the gap. Busy space means slower bodies.
- Children sit where they can see you and the equipment. Show the careful version once.
Warm-up · 5 min
- Walk in a circle with a big space between each child.
- When the coach says “busy,” everyone slows.
- When the coach says “open,” they may take a slightly bigger step, still kind.
Skill practice · 14 min
- Half the class stands in bubbles. Half walks.
- Walkers match speed to the gaps they see.
- If a gap closes, they stop completely and wait.
- Switch groups.
Game · 7 min
- Add one “road” marked by tape.
- Walkers stay on the road and bubbles stay off it, or the reverse — pick one and keep it clear.
- A near-miss means the next round is slower for everyone. No blame.
Cool-down and character · 5 min
- Shake hands out or just wave across the gap.
- Respect adjusted itself when the room got full.