My Backpack Keeps Moving

Using a cushion as a hiking backpack, children walk around moving it to new spots: in front, behind, on top of their head, to one side, under their arm. They warm up while naming positions using their own body as the reference.

How to play

1. Each child takes a cushion that becomes their hiking backpack and holds it behind them, on their back (1 min).
2. We hike around the space with the backpack behind us; the teacher says "Backpack in front!" and we move it to our tummy like carrying a baby (2 min).
3. New positions: backpack on top of your head (walk very tall), backpack on one side and then the other, backpack under your arm (2 min).
4. We reach the campsite: put the backpack on the floor, jump over it, walk around it, and sit on top (1 min).
5. We lie down with our head on the backpack like a pillow and take three breaths (1 min).

Rules

• My backpack stays with me; I don't throw it.
• I walk looking ahead so I don't bump anyone.
• I move my backpack when the teacher says so.
• We jump over the cushion, never over a friend.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child plays seated, moving the cushion around their body and chair.
• Hearing loss: each position has a picture card the teacher holds up.
• Less dexterity: use a small, squishy cushion that can be held in one hand.

Learning goals

• Place an object in relation to one's own body.
• Warm up legs and arms walking with a light load.
• Keep an upright posture with the cushion on the head.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cushions: 25

Teacher tip

No cushions? Cloth bags with a rag inside work fine. Exaggerate each position when you demonstrate; kids often mix up front and back, so say "tummy" and "back."

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