Balloon Sandwich Partners

In pairs, kids hold a balloon between their bodies without hands, like the filling in a sandwich, and move together around the gym. Children practice cooperation, adjusting to a partner, and body awareness.

How to play

1. Make pairs. Each pair gets a balloon and spreads out in the gym (1 min).
2. Demonstrate with a child: "We're the bread and the balloon is the cheese." Hold the balloon between your tummies with no hands (1 min).
3. With music on, pairs walk slowly around the gym without dropping the balloon. If it falls, pick it up and start again (3 min).
4. On a tambourine tap, move the filling: back to back, shoulder to shoulder, forehead to forehead, between hands with arms stretched out (4 min).
5. Final challenge: with the balloon between tummies, squat down and stand up slowly without dropping it (2 min).
6. To finish, pairs give the balloon a gentle squeeze and say thank you with a high five (1 min).

Rules

• No hands unless the teacher says so.
• Go slow and talk with your partner: "Stop!" "Go!"
• Squeeze gently so the balloon doesn't pop.
• Look around so you don't bump other pairs.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the partner stands beside the child and they hold the balloon between shoulder and arm, staying still or moving slowly.
• Autism or touch sensitivity: hold the balloon between each child's hands or with two poles, without body contact.
• Skill levels: confident kids use a small balloon; kids who need support use a very big one.

Learning goals

• Work with a partner to move together.
• Adjust pace and pressure to another child.
• Identify front and back body parts.

Equipment for a class of 25

• balloons: 15
• music

Teacher tip

Let pairs name their sandwich; they love it. Keep spare balloons handy, and warn kids ahead of time that one might pop.

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