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Introduction

The Cat�sKradle is an exciting game suitable for grades 4�12 that is a life-size adaptation of traditional finger-weaving string games (string figures). Challenges presented by Cat�sKradle promote problem-solving skills, eye-hand coordination, leadership and cooperation. Cat�sKradle can be played indoors or outdoors and is a great rainy day activity. Some designs can even be choreographed to music.

Cat�sKradle is a unique teaching tool that presents educational objectives in a fun, novel, non-competitive and open-ended manner. Participants don�t need a high level of athletic skill to achieve success. All learning modalities (learning through seeing, hearing and doing) are easily incorporated.

Parts

• 50-foot loop of vinyl rope
• Finger player vests (Sportime Pinnies)

Objectives

Goals include improving problem-solving skills, strengthening eye-hand coordination, developing leadership skills and encouraging cooperation, communication and following directions.

Games & Activities

All you need to get started is this Cat�sKradle manual, 50 feet of rope, and up to 12 players who are ready to take the Cat�sKradle challenge. The game begins with players dividing into two giant hands, right and left, with five players in each group acting as fingers (thumb player, index player, tall player, ring player and pinkie player). The remaining two players act as group leaders, weaving the Cat�sKradle to create the various designs.

Designs

Witch�s Broom Constellation

Step 1: Leaders loop the Cat�sKradle rope around the back waist of the students who represent the left and right thumbs and pinkies. The rope hangs free in front of the remaining finger players, in what would be the palm area (see photos Step 1a & 2b). Using your real hands, you would start with the string running across both palms, but behind your pinkies and thumbs.

Step 2: Right index player walks across and grabs the rope at left palm area and pulls back to original position (see photos Step 2a & 2b). Using your real hands, you would reach across with the first finger of your right hand and hook it under the string that runs across your left palm, but do not yet pull your hands all the way apart.

Step 3: Right index player twists the rope twice and slides it overhead and down to his/her waist (see photos Step 3). Using your real hands, you would twist this new loop twice by twirling your first finger around two times.

Step 4: All players pull back to their original right and left positions (see photos Step 4). Using your real hands, you would pull your hands apart.

Step 5: Left index player walks across to the right index player, reaches over the twisted rope, and grabs the rope extending from the right thumb and pinkie. To reach this rope, you have to reach through the loophole that was formed earlier (see photos Step 5a & 5b). Using your real hands, you would reach across with your left first finger and catch the string that runs across your right palm. The trick is to reach through the loop you twisted earlier.

Step 6: All players pull back to their original right and left positions (see photo Step 6). Using your real hands, you would pull your hands apart once again.

Step 7: Right thumb player and right pinkie player drop the rope as both teams (hands) pull back to tighten the loop and create the Witch�s Broom (see photo Step 7). Using your real hands, you would drop the loops from the thumb and pinkie of your right hand and pull your hands apart to tighten the strings.

Cup and Saucer Constellation

Step 1: Leaders loop the Cat�sKradle rope around the back waist of the right and left thumb and pinkie players, and the rope hangs free in front of the remaining finger players in what would be the palm area (see photos Step 1a & 1b). Using your real hands, you would start by looping the string across both of your palms and behind your pinkies and thumbs.

Step 2: Right index player walks across and grabs the rope at the left palm area, and pulls back to position (see photos Step 2a & 2b). Using your real hands, you would reach across with the first finger of your right hand and pick up the string that runs across the left palm, and then pull your hands apart.

Step 3: Left index player walks across and grabs rope at right palm area and pulls back to position (see photos Step 3a & 3b). Using your real hands, you would reach across and pick up the string that runs across the right palm, then pull your hands apart.

Step 4: Left and right thumb players reach over and grab the far rope on the index player (see photo Step 4). Using your real hands, you would reach over with both thumbs and hook them under the string on the far side of each first finger.

Step 5: Thumbs pull rope over their heads and down to their waists (see photos Step 5a & 5b). Using your real hands, you would pull your thumbs back to where they started from, and you�ll have two loops on each thumb.

Step 6: Each thumb player has two loops around their waists. Leaders help each thumb player lift the lower waist loops up and over their heads. NOTE: the rope passes over the top waist loop as it comes up and over the head of the thumb player (see photos Step 6a & 6b). Using your real hands, you would use your mouth (or your hands, if possible) to pull the bottom loops off your thumbs. These loops will pass over the top ones.

Step 7: Pinkie players release rope and all players pull back to their left and right positions to create Cup and Saucer (see photos Step 7a & 7b). Using your real hands, you would drop the loops from your pinkies and pull your hands apart, then tilt your thumbs up so the Cup and Saucer are right side up.

Eiffel Tower Constellation

Beginning from the finished Cup and Saucer design, the leader pulls on the rope that forms the lip of cup. Thumb players release the rope, and left and right index players pull down to reveal the Eiffel Tower (see photos ET2 - ET5). Using your real hands, you would start with a Cup and Saucer, grab the string that makes up the top of the cup with your teeth, and then drop the loops from your thumbs.

Additional Constellations

There are no real rules, so students may create their own designs, or adapt more difficult string designs such as Cat�s Cradle, Jacob�s Ladder, Cat�s Whiskers and Parachute.

Teaching Tips

Some of the easier designs do not require participation from all fingers. To ensure everyone gets a chance to play, rotate positions after each completed design.

Evaluation

A 40" looped string may be helpful to the leaders for reference purposes. Simply compare the student-created designs to the pictures in this activity guide to determine if the students were successful.

Safety

Warning � The Cat�sKradle can be dangerous. Use only as described in this activity guide. Improper use of this product could cause injury to people including possible strangulation. Adult supervision is recommended at all times.