Daddy Penguin Carries the Egg

Like emperor penguins, children carry their egg (a beanbag) on top of their feet, shuffling in short steps so it doesn't fall. It builds carrying an object with the feet, balance and step control.

How to play

1. The teacher explains that penguin dads carry the egg on their feet to keep it warm, and shows it with a beanbag on top of the foot (2 min).
2. Each penguin puts the beanbag on one foot and slowly lifts and lowers it without dropping it (2 min).
3. Walk with penguin steps, shuffling the feet with arms tight to the body, carrying the egg on one foot (3 min).
4. Travel to the nest (a hoop) along a rope path and drop the egg inside with a gentle flick of the foot (3 min).
5. The penguins huddle tightly in the middle to keep warm, eggs at their feet (1 min).
6. Pick up the eggs by hand and put them in the basket (1 min).

Rules

• No touching the egg with your hands while it travels.
• Penguins walk slowly with short steps.
• If the egg falls, put it back on your foot by hand and keep going.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the egg rides on a knee or the wheelchair armrest while the child follows the path.
• Shaky balance: walk next to a wall or bench to rest a hand on.
• Low vision: put a bell inside the beanbag so it signals when it falls, and use a rope path to feel with the foot.

Learning goals

• Carry an object with the feet.
• Control step length and speed.
• Keep balance while releasing an object with the foot.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Beanbags: 25
• Hoops: 6
• Jump ropes: 4
• Basket: 1

Teacher tip

Works best barefoot or in grip socks on a smooth floor. Fill beanbags only halfway so they mold to the foot and fall off less.

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