Beanbag Potato Relay
In the potato relay, one child runs to drop a beanbag in a far hoop, and the next child runs to get it and bring it back, taking turns. It works on running with changes of direction, picking up and placing an object, and cooperation across the whole group.
How to play
- For each group, the teacher sets a starting hoop with a beanbag inside and another hoop about ten steps away (2 min).
- Demonstration with one group: the first child takes the "potato" to the far hoop and comes back empty-handed; the second goes to get it and brings it to the starting hoop (2 min).
- All groups play; whoever finishes their trip high-fives the next child to send them off (4 min).
- We carry the potato a new way: on our head, on our shoulder or on the back of our hand (3 min).
- We finish when every child has made a trip, and we sit inside the hoops to catch our breath (2 min).
Rules
- The potato is placed inside the hoop, not thrown.
- I go when someone high-fives me.
- Taking or bringing, both trips matter.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, hoops close together, and the teacher says "Take it!" or "Bring it!" out loud to each child.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, the full run, taking turns to take and bring.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, three beanbags and three hoops in a row: each child takes or brings one at a time.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the far hoop is closer and the beanbag is placed on a chair at hand height.
- Visual impairment: a partner stands by the far hoop and claps to guide.
- Autism: "take" and "bring" picture cards so the child knows what their trip is.
Learning goals
- Run with changes of direction.
- Pick up and set down an object with control.
- Cooperate in a relay without competing.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Beanbags: 4
- Hoops: 8
Teacher tip
Use large, well-sewn cloth beanbags filled with rice, with no small parts. Usually the child who takes the bag comes back with it, so ask before they leave: "Are you taking or bringing?".
PatioLab has "Beanbag Potato Relay" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More main activities for Elementary
"Al Pasar la Barca" Parachute Rowing
Sitting around the parachute, children row by pulling the fabric toward them and letting it go toward the middle to the rhythm of the traditional Spanish song "Al pasar…
"Corro de la Patata" Parachute Circle
Children circle with the parachute while singing the traditional Spanish song "Al corro de la patata" (Potato Circle), and on "achupé, achupé" everyone sits down…
"El Patio de Mi Casa" Parachute Song
Children sing the traditional Spanish ring song "El patio de mi casa" while circling with the parachute and lowering it to the ground on "agáchate" (squat down).
"Que Llueva" Parachute Rain
Using the traditional Spanish children's song "Que llueva, que llueva" (Let It Rain), children make rain, clouds and sun with the parachute, and some hide underneath as…
«A la Zapatilla por Detrás»: The Slipper Behind Your Back
Sitting in a circle with eyes covered, one child walks around the outside with a slipper singing the traditional Spanish rhyme «A la zapatilla por detrás» («the…
«A Tapar la Calle»: The Chain That Blocks the Street
Half the class forms a hand-in-hand chain that walks forward singing the traditional Spanish song «A tapar la calle» («Block the street so nobody passes»), while the…