The “human knot” is a popular team-building activity that’s great for teaching communication, patience, strategy, and teamwork. It’s a game you’ve likely played or led yourself.
I recently introduced a simple 4-person version to my first-grade students. Here’s how it works: a group of four people stands in a circle facing each other. Each person uses their right hand to hold the right hand of someone across from them. Then, they use their left hand to hold the left hand of a different person, ensuring they are holding hands with two different people. The challenge is for the group to untangle itself from a circle without letting go of each other’s hands.
With some practice, my students were able to solve the puzzle, which was very rewarding to see! After that, we moved on to a game I call This is “KNOT” Tag.
This is “KNOT” Tag
- This game adds a fun twist to the classic human knot activity. Here’s how to play.
- Choose two players to be “it.”
- When a student is tagged, they move to a designated area.
- Once four tagged students are in the area, they form a human knot.
- After they successfully untangle themselves, they can rejoin the game.
The taggers’ main goal is to get everyone tagged and form a knot at the same time. I call this a “clean sweep.”
After a clean sweep, or once two minutes have passed, two new taggers are chosen for a new round. This game is not only a great way to get students moving, but it also encourages them to work with different classmates. By constantly being put into new groups, they learn about each other and become more comfortable collaborating.
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