Over-and-Under Cushion Train

Seated in rows like train cars, children pass a cushion over their heads, to the side or under their legs until it reaches the end. A cooperative game of object handling and trunk rotation that fits in any corner of the classroom.

How to play

1. Make trains of 5 or 6 children seated on the floor one behind another; the first child in each train gets a cushion (2 min).
2. Pass the cushion back over your head with both hands, slowly, to the last car; then pass it forward the same way (2 min).
3. Pass it to the side: twist your trunk to the right to hand it back and the next child takes it; on the way back, twist to the left (2 min).
4. Stand up with legs apart: pass it once over the head and once under the legs, taking turns (2 min).
5. When the cushion reaches the end, the last child carries it to the front and becomes the engine, so the train moves across the room (2 min).
6. All the trains join into one long train and pass a single cushion from end to end (2 min).

Rules

• Hand the cushion over with both hands; no throwing.
• Wait until the child in front gives it to you.
• It's not a race: each train goes at its own pace.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child stays seated on a chair in the train, and the under-the-legs pass becomes a side pass.
• Visual impairment: the child in front says “Here you go” and touches the child's hands with the cushion.
• Less dexterity: use a small, squishy cushion that's easier to grab.

Learning goals

• Pass and receive an object in different directions.
• Twist and bend the trunk with control.
• Work together so the cushion reaches everyone.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cushions: 5

Teacher tip

Remind the class that nobody wins: if one train finishes first, it goes again. The common mistake is letting go before the partner has a grip; teach the phrase “Got it?” before releasing.

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