Crab and Bear Cargo Delivery
In teams, students carry packages (beanbags) from a warehouse to a store using different animal walks: crab walk with the beanbag on the belly, bear crawl with it on the back, or seal walk dragging the legs. It strengthens arms and core.
How to play
- On one side of the gym place one large hoop per team full of beanbags (warehouse) and an empty hoop about 30 feet away (store); make 4 teams of 6.
- Teach the three walks (3 min): crab walk tummy up with hips high, bear crawl tummy down with knees off the floor, and seal walk on the hands only.
- First order (4 min): everyone crab walks with a beanbag on the belly; one student goes each time the previous one arrives, and if the beanbag falls, put it back and keep going.
- Second order (4 min): bear crawl with the beanbag on the back; walk back along the outside.
- Third order (3 min): in pairs, do a short 15-foot wheelbarrow walk with the beanbag resting on the back of the partner walking on the hands.
- At the end, count all the packages delivered by every team (2 min).
Rules
- Always move in the assigned walk; standing up means starting that trip again.
- Carry only one beanbag per trip.
- In the wheelbarrow, hold your partner by the thighs, never the ankles, and go slowly.
- Walk back along the side without crossing lanes.
Variations
Easier
Use a distance of about 20 feet and any animal walk, with knees down if needed.
Standard
Three orders of about 30 feet in crab walk, bear crawl and short wheelbarrow.
Harder
Carry two beanbags or weave through cones.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: carry packages on the lap in a wheelchair or scoot while seated, in a separate lane.
- Visual impairment: lane marked with a rope on the floor and a buddy clapping from the store.
- Fitness level: students with less arm strength go halfway and hand the beanbag to a teammate.
Learning goals
- Travel in different animal walks while holding good posture.
- Build arm and core strength through play.
- Cooperate to reach a shared group goal.
Equipment for a class of 25
- beanbags: 40
- hoops: 8
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
A crab walk with sagging hips is tiring and slow: cue belly to the ceiling. Save the wheelbarrow for the end and keep it short.
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