Crab Table Carry

In crab position (hands and feet on the floor, tummy up), children carry a beanbag on their tummy without dropping it, from the beach to the rock. It builds arm and leg strength and holding the body firm to carry an object.

How to play

1. The teacher shows the crab: sit, hands behind, feet in front and lift the bottom; then everyone tries (2 min).
2. Put the beanbag on the tummy and hold still like a table while counting to five (2 min).
3. The crabs walk forward and backward on the mats with the table set (2 min).
4. Carry the beanbag from the beach (one side) to the rock (a cone) and drop it next to the cone by lowering the bottom (3 min).
5. The crabs lie on their backs and rest with the beanbag on the tummy, watching it go up and down (1 min).

Rules

• No holding the table with your hands.
• If you get tired, sit, rest and lift back up.
• Crabs look behind them now and then so they don't bump anyone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the beanbag rides on the knees or the wheelchair tray as the child moves slowly backward.
• Less arm strength: do the crab with the back resting on a folded mat.
• Autism: try the position next to the teacher first without the beanbag, then add it once the child is comfortable.

Learning goals

• Strengthen arms, legs and core.
• Keep the body steady with an object on top.
• Move in an unusual body position.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Beanbags: 25
• Cones: 8
• Mats: 4

Teacher tip

This one is tiring: keep stretches short and rest often. Kids usually let their bottoms sag; say "tummy to the sky" and up they go.

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