Filling the Chest Two by Two
Balls are scattered all over the playground and a treasure chest sits in the middle to be filled before the song ends, but each ball has to be carried by two children, pressed between one hand of each. It works on coordinating with a partner and a challenge the whole class wins together.
How to play
- We learn the made-up song: “Fill the chest, fill it fast, the song won't last, two by two, me and you, the treasure's for us two!” (2 min).
- In pairs, we practice carrying a ball squeezed between one child's hand and the other's, walking (2 min).
- First round: we sing the song three times through while the pairs fill the chest (2 min).
- We empty the chest and scatter the balls; second round carrying the ball between both hands of each partner (2 min).
- Third round: at the chest, we switch partners for every trip (2 min).
- We empty the chest, counting the balls out loud together, and celebrate our treasure (2 min).
Rules
- Every ball is carried by two.
- If the ball drops, we pick it up together and keep going.
- We walk fast, but no wild running.
- If it's not full, we sing again: we can still do it!
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, partners hold hands and one carries the ball; the song repeats as many times as needed.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, the ball between one hand of each partner and the song three times.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the ball between both partners' forearms or backs, and the song just twice.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: they're the chest keeper who receives and places the balls, or their partner pushes the wheelchair while they hold the ball.
- Autism: warn them before each round starts and let them keep the same partner in the third round.
- Hearing impairment: the teacher keeps their arms raised while the song lasts and lowers them at the end.
Learning goals
- Coordinate movement with a partner.
- Reach a shared goal before the song ends.
- Follow the rule of carrying in pairs.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large box: 1
- Soft balls: 30
Teacher tip
Put out twice as many balls as pairs so nobody waits around. If they're not going to make it, sing more slowly: what matters is that they fill it and celebrate.
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