Activity time: 10 minutes

Description of Activity

While playing this common game, children consider what makes a good leader and how we each make choices to follow.

Explain the rules: Walk in a single-file line, copying the actions of the leader. Tell the children you will be the leader and ask them to line up behind you. Move around in your room or into other available spaces, varying your motions as you go. For example, you might jog, hop, take baby steps, take huge steps, walk backwards, wave your arms in the air, or waddle like a duck.

After a minute, stop and turn to face the group. In your own words, say:

In life we often follow people who are leaders. When are some times you have followed a leader? What do you suppose makes someone a good leader?

Allow a brief discussion. Resume the game, leading the children for another minute. Stop again and turn to face the group. This time, ask:

• What makes someone a bad leader?

Discuss this briefly and resume the game. Stop one final time and ask the children:

• What would you do if I tried to lead you right into traffic on a busy street?? Is that a responsible thing for a leader to do?

Say, in your own words:

We make choices about who we will follow. When someone encourages us to do things we know are unsafe, unfair, or unkind, we do not have to follow that person. We can decide not to.

Ask the children:

• What are some things that people do that are examples of good leaders?

Allow some comments. Then, lead the children to the storytelling area.

Including All Participants

Take care that your “follow the leader” movements and the pace you set include everyone’s capabilities for physical action.