Dog Sleds Across the North Pole

In pairs, one child sits on a blanket (the sled) and the other is the sled dog pulling them over the ice to the igloo; then they switch. It builds leg and arm strength and care for the classmate being pulled.

How to play

1. Explain the trip: we're going to the North Pole igloo (an area marked with cones) by dog sled. Form pairs and each pair takes a blanket (2 min).
2. Try the empty sled: the dog pulls the blanket walking backward, then forward, to feel how it slides (2 min).
3. First trip: the passenger sits in the middle of the blanket holding the edges; the dog pulls slowly to the igloo, and the passenger says “slower!” or “OK!” (4 min).
4. Switch: the dog gets on the sled and the passenger pulls back. At the igloo, both rub their hands together because it's cold (4 min).
5. Big team: two dogs pull the same sled with one passenger, circling the cones (ice blocks) without bumping other sleds (2 min).
6. Arrive at the igloo: the dogs lie down to rest and the passengers pat their backs (1 min).

Rules

• The dog pulls slowly: the passenger sets the speed.
• Passengers sit, never stand or lie down.
• If the passenger says “stop!”, we stop right away.
• Everyone is a dog and everyone is a passenger.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child rides as a passenger on a thin mat pulled by two classmates and an adult, or acts as igloo guide.
• Autism: if contact is hard, the child can pull a sled carrying a stuffed animal.
• Less strength: pull with both arms walking backward, which is easier than forward.

Learning goals

• Pull using arm and leg strength.
• Look after the classmate being pulled by adjusting speed.
• Take turns in both roles fairly.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Blankets: 12
• Cones: 8

Teacher tip

Only on smooth floors with no obstacles; it doesn't work on concrete. Pair children of similar size beforehand and remind them that passengers hold the blanket, not the dog.

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