Foot Cranes Load the Beanbags

Sitting on the floor, children are cranes that grab beanbags between both feet, lift them, and drop them into a box. It builds grasping objects with the feet, leg strength, and matching what the eyes see with what the feet do.

How to play

1. Sit in small groups around a box with beanbags on the floor. The teacher plays the crane: “Open the claws, grab, lift, and let go” (2 min).
2. Try grabbing a beanbag between the soles of the feet and lifting it a little (2 min).
3. Crane at work: grab a beanbag, turn a little, and drop it into the box (3 min).
4. Harbor crane: pass the beanbag from our feet to the feet of the friend beside us (2 min).
5. The crane empties the box: take the beanbags out with the feet and set them on the floor (2 min).
6. Tired cranes: lie down and wiggle our toes (1 min).

Rules

• We pick up beanbags only with our feet.
• Hands rest on the floor behind us.
• If the beanbag drops, the crane tries again.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: if the child can’t use their legs, they play crane with large kitchen tongs or their hands.
• Visual impairment: a box with its edge marked by textured tape and beanbags that make noise.
• Less strength: lighter beanbags or small soft cushions.

Learning goals

• Grasp and release objects with the feet.
• Strengthen legs and core while seated.
• Coordinate the eyes with foot movement.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Beanbags: 30
• Boxes or baskets: 6

Teacher tip

Bare feet work much better on a clean, warm floor. Use large, well-sewn beanbags: nothing that can split and spill its filling.

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