Moving Day: We Carry It Together

A family is moving and children are the moving crew: in twos, threes or big teams they carry the furniture (mats, cushions, big balls) from the old house to the new one, through narrow doors. It builds teamwork, coordinating with others and sharing effort.

How to play

1. The teacher shows the two houses at either end of the yard and the furniture: the couch (mat), pillows (cushions), lamps (big balls) and the narrow door (two chairs) (2 min).
2. Pillows are light: each child carries a cushion from the old house to the new one without it touching the ground (2 min).
3. Lamps go in pairs, holding the ball with hands or between tummies without dropping it (3 min).
4. The couch is heavy: a big team carries it, each holding a handle or edge, counting “one, two, three” to lift together (3 min).
5. The narrow door: to get furniture through, turn it and walk sideways; we agree on a plan first (2 min).
6. Set the furniture up in the new house and all sit together on the couch to rest (2 min).

Rules

• We lift together on three.
• If someone’s tired, we say “stop!” and set it down.
• Nobody rides on the furniture while it’s being carried.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child carries cushions on their lap and is the crew boss who counts “one, two, three.”
• Visual impairment: the child joins the couch team, holding a handle between two buddies who call out the turns.
• Autism: a steady, familiar partner, and the adult gives a heads-up before each lift.

Learning goals

• Coordinate with others to move an object.
• Match strength and pace to the group.
• Come up with ways past obstacles.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Mats: 3
• Cushions: 25
• Hoops: 4
• Large balls: 6
• Chairs: 2

Teacher tip

Use light mats with handles; no one lifts anything heavy alone. The “one, two, three” moment is key, so practice it without furniture first.

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