Beanbag on My Head: Sit Down, Stand Up

With a beanbag on their head, children sit down and stand up from their chair without dropping it, like royalty with their crown. It works on posture control, leg strength and balance when changing position.

How to play

1. Each child stands in front of their chair with a beanbag; try walking a little with it on your head (2 min).
2. Sit down very slowly, back straight and eyes forward, without dropping your crown (2 min).
3. Stand up the same way, pushing with your legs; if it falls, pick it up and try again (2 min).
4. Three-in-a-row challenge: sit and stand three times in a row, counting out loud (2 min).
5. Royal parade: walk once around your chair with the beanbag, then sit back down (2 min).
6. Take off your crown and set it on a friend's chair (1 min).

Rules

• The beanbag rides on my head; no holding it.
• I sit down slowly, no plopping.
• If it falls, no big deal: I put it back and keep going.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: keeps the beanbag on their head while leaning forward and back in their wheelchair.
• Less balance: the beanbag rides on a shoulder or an outstretched hand.
• Autism: if they won't tolerate it on their head, they carry it on the back of their hand.

Learning goals

• Keep an upright posture when sitting and standing.
• Strengthen the legs.
• Control balance with an object on top.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Chairs: 25
• Beanbags: 25

Teacher tip

Back each chair against a wall or table so it doesn't slide when they sit. Flat, slightly heavy beanbags stay on far better than small balls.

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