Crabs Carry Their Shells

In crab position (belly up, hands and feet on the floor), children carry a beanbag on their tummy to their rock. They build arm and core strength and balance in a new position.

How to play

1. We show crab position: sit, hands behind, lift the bottom (2 min).
2. Crabs walk forward, backward, and sideways across the beach (3 min).
3. Each crab puts a beanbag (its shell) on its tummy and moves without dropping it (3 min).
4. We carry the shell to a rock (hoop) and go back for another; together we aim to move every shell (4 min).
5. The crabs sit down and shake the sand off their claws (2 min).

Rules

• A crab's tummy faces the ceiling.
• If my shell falls, I pick it up and keep going.
• If I get tired, I sit my bottom down for a moment.
• I carry my own shell and don't take anyone else's.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the crab carries the shell on their lap from the wheelchair and drops it at the rock.
• Autism: mark the child's path to their rock with a rope so it's clear where shells go.
• Less strength: they scoot seated pushing with hands and feet, without lifting the bottom.

Learning goals

• Move on all fours facing up.
• Balance an object on the body.
• Reach a simple shared goal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Beanbags: 25
• Hoops: 6

Teacher tip

Use large, well-sewn beanbags. This position is hard on wrists: keep trips short and let kids rest between them.

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