Build a Kid Out of Cushions

In small groups, children build a giant kid on the floor out of foam blocks and cushions, putting each part in its place and copying the pose of a classmate who acts as the model. It builds an understanding of the body's structure, where each part goes, and teamwork.

How to play

1. The teacher shows the materials and asks which piece could be the head, the trunk, the arms or the legs (2 min).
2. In groups of five, each group gathers its pieces on a mat; one child per group lies down as the model with arms and legs stretched out (2 min).
3. The others build a cushion kid next to the model, matching the pose and naming each part as they place it (4 min).
4. The model changes pose (arm bent, leg out to the side) and the group moves the pieces so their cushion kid copies it; switch models (4 min).
5. Visit the other groups' cushion kids, name their parts, then take them apart and put each piece away (3 min).

Rules

• Carry the pieces, don't throw them.
• Nothing goes on top of the model.
• We decide together where each piece goes.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child can be the architect who says where each piece goes, or place pieces handed to them.
• Visual impairment: the child feels the model's pose with their hands, then the cushion kid's.
• Autism: give a fixed, clear role (for example, in charge of the arms).

Learning goals

• Recognize the body's structure: head, trunk and limbs.
• Represent a person's pose with objects.
• Cooperate in a small group to build something together.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Foam blocks: 20
• Cushions: 15
• Mats: 5

Teacher tip

If materials are limited, make two big groups instead of five small ones. Keep the model comfortable and switch often; kids can't stay lying down for long.

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