Monkey Feet Pass the Bananas

Sitting barefoot in a circle, children are monkeys passing bananas (rolled-up socks) and baby monkeys (stuffed animals) using only their feet. It builds grabbing, holding and releasing with the feet in a cooperative game.

How to play

1. Take off shoes, sit in a circle with hands on the floor behind you, and wake up the toes by spreading and curling them (1 min).
2. Each monkey picks up their banana with both feet, lifts it and slowly lowers it (2 min).
3. Pass a banana to the monkey next to you, feet to feet, no hands, so it travels around the circle (2 min).
4. Put several bananas in the circle so they all travel at once (2 min).
5. Pass the baby monkeys, bigger and softer, very carefully so they don't fall (2 min).
6. At the end, each monkey scoots on their bottom to carry a banana with their feet to the basket in the middle (1 min).

Rules

• Bananas are passed with feet; hands stay behind you.
• Wait until your friend has a good hold before you let go.
• If it falls, the closest monkey picks it up with their feet.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited leg mobility: the child passes with hands or elbows, and classmates bring the object to the right height.
• Touch sensitivity (autism): the child can keep socks on or be the one who receives at the basket.
• More skilled kids: pass a small foam ball (not a choking-size one) that rolls more.

Learning goals

• Grab and release objects with the feet.
• Keep balance while seated with legs lifted.
• Work together so the object travels around the whole circle.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft stuffed animals: 6
• Rolled-up socks: 25
• Basket: 1

Teacher tip

Make the circle tight so feet can touch. Check beforehand that the floor is clean and not cold, and line up the shoes together so putting them back on is quick.

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