Cushion Mountain, Pond and Path

Using the classroom cushions, the class builds a mini obstacle course: a stepping-stone path, a pond to jump into, a mountain to climb and a cave under a table. Children go through it in a line again and again, practicing stepping, jumping, crawling and creeping in a small space.

How to play

1. Build the course together around the rug: cushions in a row (path), one big one by itself (pond), a pile on the floor mat (mountain) and a table pulled away from the wall (cave) (3 min).
2. The teacher walks the course slowly in front of everyone, naming each part with one word: “Step, jump, climb, crawl” (2 min).
3. First round walking: step on the stones without touching the floor, jump feet-together into the pond and out again (2 min).
4. Add the mountain: climb on hands and knees over the cushion pile and scoot down on your bottom on the other side (3 min).
5. Add the cave: crawl under the table keeping your back low and come out onto the path again (3 min).
6. Last round in slow motion; when done, each child carries a cushion back to its place (2 min).

Rules

• Start when the child in front of you has passed the pond.
• On the mountain, hands and knees stay on the cushions.
• In the cave, keep your back low so you don't bump the table.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: make the mountain lower (two cushions) and go around the cave instead of under it.
• Autism: show a strip of pictures of the four parts in order before starting.
• Visual impairment: push the path cushions together with no gaps, and a buddy calls out “Pond next.”

Learning goals

• Practice stepping, jumping, climbing and crawling in a simple course.
• Adjust the body to soft, uneven surfaces.
• Wait for a turn and keep space from the child in front.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cushions: 20
• Table: 1
• Floor mat: 1

Teacher tip

Always put the mountain on a mat and never higher than the children's knees. If the table is light, push it against a cabinet so it doesn't slide when kids crawl under.

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