Digger and Dump Truck

In pairs, a digger scoops balls from the pile using two plates as a bucket and loads them into the dump truck, a box that the partner carries to the building site and empties. It builds grabbing with both hands at once, carrying and emptying while coordinating with someone else.

How to play

1. The teacher shows the digger's bucket: one plate in each hand, bring them together under the ball and lift it (2 min).
2. Each child practices loading balls with two plates and dropping them into a box, no hands (2 min).
3. In pairs: the digger loads the dump truck, and the dump truck carries the box to the site (a hoop) and empties it inside (3 min).
4. Switch: the dump truck becomes the digger (3 min).
5. Now the dump truck backs up beeping "beep, beep, beep" and empties the box by tipping it over slowly (3 min).
6. The machines power down: put plates and boxes away and shake hands with your partner (1 min).

Rules

• Diggers only grab with the plates.
• The dump truck waits still while it's being loaded.
• Empty the load inside the site, not along the way.
• Partners switch jobs when the teacher says so.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child is the dump truck with the box on their knees while the partner pushes the wheelchair.
• Less hand control: use one wide tray held with both hands as the bucket.
• Autism: keep the same partner the whole time and use a card showing both roles.

Learning goals

• Coordinate both hands to pick up an object.
• Carry and empty a container.
• Cooperate with a partner by taking turns in each role.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Plastic plates: 26
• Balls: 50
• Cardboard boxes: 13
• Hoops: 4

Teacher tip

Use sturdy plastic picnic plates, not flimsy disposable ones. Make several ball piles so all the diggers don't crowd the same spot.

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