From the Pool to the Cradle (string game)


	From the pool to the cradle (string game)
	While playing with a string, students follow instructions concerning hand movements. You will need: For each pair of students, a piece of string about 40" in length. Suggested vocabulary: string insert thumb index finger pinkie tie knot pull up down sideways right left above below pool swim cradle sleep Instructions: Click on the thumbnail image if you want to see a larger picture. Teachers who use a screen reader should ignore the links to the larger images, as the screen reader will read the instructions in order.
	1. Work in pairs. Tie together the ends of the string in a knot. You have created a loop.
	2. Student 1 inserts the four fingers of each hand into the loop and pulls out all the way.
	3. Student 1 inserts left hand under the string and pulls back all the way. Now the left hand has another loop around it.
	4. Student 1 inserts right hand under the string and pulls back all the way. Now the right hand too has another loop around it.
	5. Student 1 should now have this.
	6. Student 1 inserts the middle finger of the right hand under the loop on the left hand and pulls out all the way.
	7. Student 1 inserts the middle finger of the left hand under the loop on the right hand and pulls out all the way.
	8. Student 1 now has the basis for a cradle.
	9. Student 2 inserts the index finger and thumb of both hands into the side "X" of the cradle and closes fingers.
	10. Student 2, using index and thumb, pulls the string out and down, with hands moving in opposite directions.
	11. Student 2, using index and thumb, pulls the string under the bottom string, inside, and up.
	12. Student 1 releases the string by pulling hands away.
	13. Student 2 separates index and thumb. Student 2 now has a flattened "cradle".
	14. Student 1, coming from above, inserts index finger and thumb of both hands into the sides of the "X," and closes fingers underneath.
	15. Student 1, using index finger and thumb, pulls the string upward and out (sideways).
	16. Student 1, using index and thumb, pulls the string under the bottom string, inside and up, hands going in opposite directions.
	17. Student 2 releases the string by pulling hands away.
	18. Student 1 separates index and thumb and now has a "swimming pool."
	19. Student 2 inserts left pinkie under the right "lane marker" and pulls up and to the side.
	20. Student 2 inserts right pinkie under the left "lane marker" and pulls up and to the side.
	21. Student 2, holding the string with the folded pinkies, inserts index fingers and thumbs of both hands under the side strings and gently pulls up.
	22. Student 1 releases the string by pulling hands away.
	23. Student 2 separates index and thumb.
	24. Student 2 now has a cradle to rock (by moving hands in opposite directions)!
	(This game can be continued with similar steps-- encourage the students to experiment!)
	Suggested links for additional ideas: Linda Mosbacker's Internet sites These links should help you learn more about the art of string figures. Anne Glover Story String Productions "Anne Glover has been weaving education with entertainment for years, incorporating English and French, Sign Language and string games into her programs. Her string games and mystifying sound effects captivate even the most recalcitrant audience. In addition to performances, Anne also offers workshops in storytelling, string games, and creative approaches to second language instruction." "Strings on Your Fingers" A very impressive site of links by Michael P. Garofalo, including a couple in French: *Jeux de ficelle* and *Les Ficelles Enchantées*. This site also contains instructions and photos for various figures, bibliographies, and guide presented by Myriam Namolaru. Be sure to check out the excellent bibliographical links. The International String Figure Association Links to other string figure Web sites in English, French, German and Japanese. The association also has an outstanding string figure bibliography contributed by Dr. Tom Storer . A hint for teaching string games by Lee M. Gard a school teacher Insight for helping students learn string games. The Web site of Brian Cox, sometimes called "the incredible string man" In 1995, Brian Cox hosted a 39-episode television program called "World of Origami." A few minutes of each broadcast was devoted to making string figures.