Bulldozers Push the Box Mountain

A mountain of big boxes sits in the middle of the yard and the children are bulldozers pushing it over to the construction zone marked with ropes. It builds arm and leg strength through pushing on all fours and standing, and teamwork to move the biggest boxes.

How to play

1. We turn into bulldozers: arms out straight like the blade, strong legs, and a motor sound, “Vroom!” (1 min).
2. Each bulldozer pushes a box standing up, with both hands, to the construction zone and goes back for another (3 min).
3. Now we push on all fours, the box in front of our hands and head, like little bulldozers (3 min).
4. Here come the giant boxes: two or three of us push together, counting “One, two, three!” (3 min).
5. The bulldozers move the mountain back to the middle by pushing backward with their backs (2 min).
6. Engines off: we sit leaning on a box and shake out our arms and legs (1 min).

Rules

• I push the box, never a friend.
• I look over or beside the box so I don't crash.
• Giant boxes are pushed as a team.
• When the engine turns off, the bulldozer stops.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: push the box with the wheelchair footrest or by hand from the chair; give empty boxes so it moves easily.
• Autism: give the child their own lane marked with rope so they push without crossing others.
• More skilled children: a heavier box, or push with one arm and then the other.

Learning goals

• Build arm and leg strength.
• Adjust effort to the size of the box.
• Work with others to move something big.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large cardboard boxes: 15
• Ropes: 4

Teacher tip

Smooth concrete is perfect; in sand the boxes dig in. Stuff big boxes with old cushions to add weight safely, and keep lanes well apart so no one collides head-on.

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