Core Routines: Animal Forms, Questioning and Tracking
Skills Practiced: Sound-based awareness, echolocation, movement with constraint
Ecological Indicators: Mammals (bats), insects (moths)
Qualities Fostered: Quick Reaction, Listening, Empathy through Role Play
Directions (Shields): East (Inspire), South (Activate)
Suggested Age Range: 7+ (younger children may need help staying within bounds)
Timing & Energy Level: High engagement game; good for activating a group after a still activity (East to South)
Set-Up & Materials:
- Blindfold
- Boundary markers (rope circle, hula hoops, cones)
- Open area with some auditory contrast
Description:
One blindfolded participant plays the Bat. Others are Moths within a marked area. The Bat calls out “Bat!” and all Moths must reply “Moth!” Using only sound to locate them, the Bat tries to tag a Moth. The game simulates echolocation and sharpens auditory attention while adding a dose of playful tension and surprise. It’s a full-body listening game that encourages empathy with how animals navigate without vision.
Coyote Mentoring Tips:
- Ask: “How does a bat find its way at night?”
- Model a few silly tries before starting to ease nervousness
- Remind Moths to stay within the area but not too close together
Variations:
- Play in different habitats to explore sound quality
- Allow Moths to move slowly while responding
- Switch roles quickly to keep energy up
Debrief Prompts:
- “What helped you find someone—or stay hidden?”
- “How did you feel when you had to rely on sound?”
- “What made this easier or harder than expected?”
Story Seeds:
- Bat myths and medicine stories (many cultures)
- Moth as symbol of transformation
- Tales of navigating in darkness