Firefighters Rescue the Kitten

Children are firefighters who leave the station, cross town and rescue kittens (stuffed animals) stuck up a tree, then bring them home. It practices basic motor skills in a meaningful obstacle course and helping others.

How to play

1. In a circle, the teacher explains that kittens are stuck up a tree. The teacher walks the course once to show it (2 min).
2. Gear up: put on pretend helmet, boots and gloves at the fire station (1 min).
3. On the way: roll down the mat like sliding down the pole, hop hoop to hoop over puddles and cross the bridge (balance bench) on hands and knees or walking (4 min).
4. At the tree (stuffed animals on a bench or tall mat with an adult right there), each child gently picks up one kitten (2 min).
5. On the way back: zigzag through cones hugging the kitten, no running, and set it in its home (the hoop at the start) (4 min).
6. Together we count the rescued kittens and give them a hug (2 min).

Rules

• Kittens are carried in a hug, never thrown.
• On the bridge, one at a time, no pushing.
• If someone needs help, I give them a hand.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a parallel path on smooth floor with cones and flat hoops; the child rescues the kitten from the wheelchair.
• Visual impairment: a buddy guides by the hand and the teacher claps at each station.
• Autism: photos of the course in order on the wall, and the child starts right behind the teacher.

Learning goals

• Link rolling, jumping, crawling and balancing.
• Carry an object carefully.
• Help classmates in a shared rescue.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Mats: 3
• Hoops: 8
• Balance benches: 2
• Stuffed animals: 25
• Cones: 6

Teacher tip

Set the course as an out-and-back loop so paths don’t cross. No racing: firefighters move quickly but carefully. Keep one adult stationed at the bench.

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