Packing My Backpack in Order
We're going on a field trip, and each child packs a “backpack” by fetching items from three baskets in the order the teacher says; then we go on a hike around the playground with them. It works on remembering directions in order and traveling to get things.
How to play
- Set three baskets in different spots (balls, scarves, foam blocks), and each child has a home spot marked (2 min).
- First backpack: “First a scarf, then a ball.” Walk to get each item in order and bring it home (3 min).
- Three-item backpack: the teacher says it and shows the picture cards; jog to get them in order (3 min).
- Put things back in reverse order: the last item we picked is the first to go back (2 min).
- Field trip: scarf on head, ball in hands and block as a backpack, walk around the playground over pretend hills and rivers (3 min).
- Back home, unpack, naming what went in first, next and last (1 min).
Rules
- I get things in the order the teacher says.
- One item at a time.
- I wait my turn at the basket.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, two-item backpacks with the cards always visible.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, three-item backpacks; the cards are shown, then covered.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, three or four items, no cards, and put them back in reverse order.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: move the baskets closer to their route, or a buddy brings the basket over to choose from.
- Autism: leave the card strip at their home spot as a reminder.
- Visual impairment: baskets with a sound cue or a buddy guide, and items that are easy to tell apart by touch.
Learning goals
- Remember a 2- to 4-step direction in order.
- Travel with a purpose.
- Use reverse order to put things back.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Balls: 25
- Scarves: 25
- Foam blocks: 25
- Baskets: 3
- Object picture cards: 3
Teacher tip
Make several lines per basket or start groups at different baskets so they don't crowd. Kids tend to grab whatever is closest, so keep asking “What was first?”
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