Cinderella’s Slipper

Name and Purpose

• Cinderella’s Slipper is a classic relay game that builds teamwork, laughter, and gentle problem-solving.
• Pairs work together under time pressure to find and return the right shoe.

a.k.a.

• Shoe Shuffle, Find the Slipper

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 12-36 players (teams of 6, three pairs per team) | 15-25 minutes | Open outdoor grass or flat indoor space with a clear straight relay path of 15-20 metres.

Materials

• 2 sturdy brooms (one per team; check handles are secure before play)
• 1 shoe per participating player (from the pile-building partner in each pair)
• Flat markers or tape for the start line and the pile zone

Quick-Run Card

1. Teams of 6 line up at the start line, paired up within the team (3 pairs per team).
2. One player from each pair removes one shoe and places it in the pile at the far end.
3. On “Go!” the first pair from each team goes: one player holds the broom handle upright while the other sits on the broom bristles and holds on. The holder moves them to the pile zone.
4. At the pile: the rider finds their partner’s shoe (the partner may not speak), puts it on their partner’s foot, then both ride back together (or walk back if easier).
5. Next pair goes. First team to have all shoes located and on feet wins.

Setup and Boundaries

• Mark a clear start line and a pile zone (at least 2 metres wide) at the far end.
• Mix all removed shoes in the pile zone before play begins.
• Allow at least 1.5 metres of lane width between teams to prevent broom collisions.
• Signal: 1 whistle = pause (if a broom breaks or there is a fall); 2 whistles = game ends.
• Check broom handles are sturdy before issuing them to players. Replace any with loose or splintered handles.

How to Play

1. Each team forms 3 pairs at the start line.
2. One player per pair removes one shoe and places it in the pile. The other player keeps both shoes on.
3. On “Go!” pair one from each team goes. The shoe-wearer rides the broom (seated on bristles, holding the handle); the shoe-removing partner holds the broom handle and pulls or walks them to the pile.
4. At the pile: the shoe-wearer searches for their partner’s shoe without any verbal hints from the partner (the partner may point or gesture, but not speak).
5. Once the right shoe is found, it is placed on the partner’s foot. Both players walk (not run) back to the start line together.
6. Next pair goes as soon as pair one crosses the start line.
7. First team with all three pairs back and all shoes on wins the round.
8. Run a second round with pairs swapping roles.

I-OPt Options

Start:

• A (Active): Volunteer to go first and set the pace for your team.
• S (Support): Help sort the shoe pile carefully before play begins.
• Q (Quiet): Take a mid-order pair slot and watch one round before going.
• O (Observer): Watch round one from the sideline and join for round two.

Mid:

• A (Active): Move quickly and communicate with gestures from the pile zone.
• S (Support): Cheer on your teammates and keep track of whose shoes are left.
• Q (Quiet): Search the pile methodically and calmly.
• O (Observer): Watch and step in as a pair-replacement in round two.

Late:

• A (Active): Sprint (or fast-walk) the final pair home.
• S (Support): Guide the final pair back with cheers.
• Q (Quiet): Help carry a wayward shoe back to the start.
• O (Observer): Celebrate with the team.

End:

• A (Active): Join the debrief and share a moment.
• S (Support): Return brooms and collect any stray shoes.
• Q (Quiet): Offer one observation during debrief.
• O (Observer): Listen in and join when comfortable.

Inclusion Adaptations

• The broom-ride element can be replaced by a walking relay for any pair where the ride is not accessible. The walking pair competes at the same time as broom-riding pairs; all versions count toward the team score.
• The no-speaking rule (for the shoe-finder) can be relaxed to allow one-word hints for players who find silent searching frustrating.

Stewardship Moment

• Brooms are reusable equipment. Check and return them in the same condition they were borrowed.
• “This game runs entirely on what we already have. What other activities could we run with just a broom?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This game involves one partner sitting on a broom while the other guides them. For those not comfortable sitting on the broom, walking alongside your partner to the pile and back is another option.”
• Mid-game check: after the first pair from each team has gone, pause briefly. “Is the broom comfortable? Any adjustments before the next pair goes?”
• Opt-out/re-entry: any pair may choose the walking version at any time. They stay in the game and their completion counts for their team.

Risks and Mitigation

• Broom handle breaking or splintering: inspect both brooms before play. Replace any that are weak, splintered, or have loose heads.
• Rider falling off the broom during movement: the holder moves at walking pace only, not running. Brief this rule clearly.
• Collision between teams in adjacent lanes: maintain 1.5 metres between lanes. Staff watch lane discipline.
• Tripping on shoes in the pile zone: spread shoes across the full pile zone rather than stacking them.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Shoe Sort”: before the game, everyone mixes their shoes in a pile and then finds their own as quickly as possible. Warms up the concept and gets the group laughing.
• “Broom Walk”: each pair practises the broom-ride walk for 5 metres before the competition starts.

Debrief Questions

• What? “How did you figure out which shoe was the right one without being able to speak?”
• So What? “What did it feel like to have to communicate without words? What worked? What didn’t?”
• Now What? “Where in your life do you need to understand someone without them being able to tell you directly?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Return brooms to storage.
• All players retrieve and put on their own shoes before leaving.
• Check the play area for any stray footwear.