- Definition
Flocking is like a group of birds flying together, where everyone follows a leader and does the same movements at the same time, even if they can't all see each other directly. It's a way for a group to move and create together without a strict plan.
In a drama class, one student walks forward and raises their arm, and the group of students behind them does the exact same movement at the same time.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Flocking is like how a group of birds or a school of fish all change direction together, following one leader at the front.
Ask your child: If you were leading a flock, what movement would you try first?
Common mix-up: Kids might think everyone in the group has to watch each other. The key is that everyone watches the same leader, even if they can't see the other followers.
Examples
- The leader at the front of the group turns, making a new person the leader for everyone else to follow.
- A group following a leader who pretends to walk through deep mud, all copying the slow, heavy steps.
flocking is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
