Daddy Penguin Keeps the Egg on His Feet

Like penguin dads, children carry their egg (a soft ball) on top of their feet or between their ankles, waddling in tiny steps without dropping it. It builds controlling an object with the feet, balance, and careful movement.

How to play

1. The teacher explains that penguin dads keep the egg on their feet to keep it warm, and shows how to hold the ball between the ankles (2 min).
2. Standing, hold the egg between the ankles and sway side to side like penguins (2 min).
3. Penguin waddle, shuffling to a cone and back without losing the egg (3 min).
4. “Here comes the cold!”: the teacher blows and everyone huddles in a cozy penguin group without dropping the egg (2 min).
5. Put the egg on the floor using only the feet and pick it up again with the feet (2 min).
6. The penguins sit down and keep the egg warm on their tummies (1 min).

Rules

• We don’t pick up the egg with our hands.
• Tiny steps, no running.
• If the egg drops, I pick it up with my feet and keep going.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a penguin in a wheelchair carries the egg on their lap or footrest and leads the group.
• Visual impairment: walk holding hands with a penguin buddy.
• Less balance: hold on to the wall or an adult’s hand.

Learning goals

• Hold and carry an object with the feet.
• Keep balance over short distances.
• Pick up an object from the floor using only the feet.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft balls: 25
• Cones: 4

Teacher tip

Use medium soft balls, not too big or hard. Some children start kangaroo-hopping with the ball: remind them penguins shuffle.

More main activities for Elementary