My Traveling Beanbag

Each child puts a beanbag in different places around their body (on the head, under the chin, in front of the feet), then moves their body around the beanbag. Kids learn position words using their own body and work on balance and posture.

How to play

1. Everyone spreads out with a beanbag. Show each position with your own beanbag before you say it.
2. Standing still: “on your head,” “under your chin,” “between your knees,” “in front of your feet,” “behind your back.” Count to three for each (3 min).
3. With soft music, kids walk carrying the beanbag where you say: on the head, on the shoulder, on top of a hand. If it falls, pick it up and keep going (3 min).
4. Stop the music. Beanbag on the floor, now the body moves: “Stand in front of your beanbag,” “behind it,” “next to it,” “jump over it” (3 min).
5. In pairs: one says where the beanbag goes and the other places it. Switch every three calls (3 min).

Rules

• Place the beanbag, don't throw it.
• Walk slowly with the beanbag and look for open space.
• If it falls, bend down and pick it up calmly.
• Everyone uses their own beanbag.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: every position works sitting, using arms, legs and the wheelchair itself.
• Autism: let the child always use the same beanbag and preview each position with pictures.
• Skill level: skilled kids walk with the beanbag on their head hands-free; kids who need help hold it in place.

Learning goals

• Place an object on, under, in front of, behind, between and next to their own body.
• Place their own body in relation to an object.
• Keep their balance while moving with an object on the body.

Equipment for a class of 25

• beanbags: 20
• music

Teacher tip

Do each position as you say it, mirroring the group. Hand out the beanbags from a basket at the start and collect them the same way.

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