Crabs with a Beanbag on the Belly
Children get into crab position (hands and feet on the floor, belly up) and move around carrying a beanbag on their belly without dropping it. It builds arm strength, core control and balance with an object on top.
How to play
- Practice the crab without a beanbag: sitting, hands behind, lift your bottom (1 min).
- The teacher puts a beanbag on each belly and we hold still counting to five (1 min).
- Take little crab steps sideways without dropping it (1 min).
- Crab-walk forward and backward along the "beach" (2 min).
- Carefully put the beanbag down and stretch out lying on the floor (1 min).
Rules
- If the beanbag falls, I put it back and keep going.
- I move slowly, like a calm crab.
- I look behind me so I don't bump.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, hold still and take just two or three side steps.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, move sideways and forward.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, crab-walk to a hoop and drop the beanbag inside.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: seated, carry the beanbag on the knees or thigh while moving the chair slowly.
- Less arm strength: do the crab on a mat leaning on the forearms.
- Autism: set up a taped-off corner so they have their own space.
Learning goals
- Build arm and core strength through play.
- Balance an object on the body.
- Move in an unusual position.
Equipment for a class of 25
- beanbags: 25
- mats: 4
Teacher tip
Many 3-year-olds can't lift their bottoms yet; let them scoot along seated, it's still great work. Put mats down for kids with weak wrists.
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