News
Fun knot Challenge Session for Kids and Teens
Published Fri 19 May 2023
Often it’s fun to end a knot tying session with a fun challenge, whether it’s with the classic tie up the instructor (Only done if there is another assistant/ instructor present) or a game. A fun way to change things up is with a problem solving challenge like a knot challenge to stimulate the mind.
Creating alternative forms of learning through knot tying challenges that focus on fun and enjoyment, not only engage the participants but reinforce the skill they’ve just learned (like tying a knot that works and doesn’t come undone).
Here is an example of a knot challenge:
Note: Start challenge after a normal knot tying session, ending in the bowline knot.
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Set up |
Use the same open area participants used for knot tying session |
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Equipment |
1 piece of rope per participant, ropes need to be at least 140cm long (for room to move). |
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Pre-make the double ended bowline/wrist restraints (one per participant) or after participants have learnt how to make a bowline get them to make a bowline in each end of the rope as an extra challenge. |
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Should look like this |
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Explain Set up |
Challenge done in pairs. One Participant starts with both loops on each hand |
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and partner only puts on one loop then passes the other end of their rope through/under partners rope then puts on the last loop on other hand. (participants should be connected) |
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Explain challenge and rules |
The idea is to still be in the wrist restraints but separate from your partner by the end. No slipping rope off wrists, no untying knots and no cutting the ropes. |
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Demo |
Demonstrate how to attempt to get out. Over emphasize trying to step through or tangle themselves up (Gets them thinking about how to solve the problem and makes it more fun). |
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Time |
Give them time to figure it out themselves, after 5 minutes give a clue then give them another 5 minutes to solve. All up the challenge should take 15 minutes (but it can take as short or long as you need depending on the group) |
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Clue |
“It has something to do with your wrists”. |
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Solution |
Grab your rope in the middle, make a loop and pass the loop through partners wrist (at arm side, not hand side) and over their hand. When you pull away they should be free of each other but still in their own wrist restraints. |
We often think of play as something children and teens do outside of the formal learning environment, just for fun. However, the use of games and challenges in learning to sail, is a valuable activity, children of all ages have better engagement, better retention, and learn quicker.
For more information on why games are important view this article:
https://www.sailing.org.au/news/tackers-why-games-are-important/
