Little Ants Fill the Anthill
At the end of class, kids become little ants that crawl very slowly on hands and knees to carry the beanbags and other small equipment into the anthill, a cardboard box. It builds calm, independence and tidiness.
How to play
- Place the cardboard box in the middle of the gym and say: "This is the ants' home, and winter is coming" (20 sec).
- Everyone gets on hands and knees. Show how an ant picks up a beanbag, puts it on its back and crawls very slowly so it doesn't fall.
- Say: "Each little ant carries just one thing at a time." They crawl to the box, drop the beanbag in by hand and go back for another (2 min).
- If a beanbag slides off, the ant stops, puts it back and keeps going with no rush.
- When nothing is left on the floor, say: "The anthill is full, and the ants go to sleep." Everyone curls up around the box (1 min).
- They take three slow breaths and sit up for goodbyes.
Rules
- Ants crawl slowly; no running.
- Carry only one thing at a time.
- Don't take equipment from another ant.
- Place the beanbag in the box; don't throw it.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, they hold the beanbag in one hand while crawling instead of carrying it on their back.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, they carry the beanbag on their back, crawling slowly.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, they sort beanbags by color into two or three boxes, one for each ant family.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child is the queen ant who receives the equipment at the box and puts it inside.
- Autism: give the child the same beanbag color and a set route every time so they know what to expect.
- Skill level: strong crawlers carry the beanbag on the head or back without hands; kids who can't crawl walk crouched holding it.
Learning goals
- Put equipment away calmly and in order.
- Crawl with slow, controlled movements.
- Take on a small job for the group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bean bags: 30
- cardboard box: 1
Teacher tip
Turning cleanup into a game prevents racing and pushing at the end. Have the box ready before cool-down and praise the slowest ants out loud.
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