Beanbag Fence: Hop Side to Side

Together the children build a long fence lying on the ground with beanbags placed end to end, with straight bits and curves, then travel along it hopping from side to side without stepping on it. It works side-to-side jumping with feet together, orientation and building as a group.

How to play

1. Each child takes two beanbags and, taking turns, places them touching the last one to build the fence (3 min).
2. Walk beside the fence, one on each side, without stepping on it (2 min).
3. Jump with feet together from one side of the fence to the other while moving along (3 min).
4. Make the fence wider by placing two beanbags side by side and jump again (3 min).
5. Go along the fence hopping on one foot or like frogs (2 min).
6. Take down the fence by passing the beanbags down the line to the basket (1 min).

Rules

• I place my beanbag touching my friend's.
• I jump over it without stepping on the fence.
• I leave space for the kid in front of me.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: they travel the fence in a wheelchair, weaving around it.
• Visual impairment: build the fence from thick beanbags they can feel with their foot, with a partner guiding.
• Less coordination: jump side to side holding the teacher's hand.

Learning goals

• Jump sideways with feet together.
• Build a shared goal together.
• Find their way along a curving route.

Equipment for a class of 25

• beanbags: 30

Teacher tip

Let the fence take shapes they invent (a wave, a snake, a snail) so they feel it's theirs. Space children well along the line so they don't land on each other.

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