Packing Our Body Suitcase
Before setting off on a trip, children “pack” each part of their body into a suitcase by moving it, then close the suitcase with a big hug. It mobilizes the joints and gently warms everyone up for the story.
How to play
- In a circle, the teacher says: “Tomorrow we go on a trip, so we have to pack our suitcase.” Open an imaginary suitcase on the floor by spreading arms wide (1 min).
- Pack the cap: turn the head slowly side to side, nod yes and shake no (1 min).
- Pack the T-shirt and gloves: shoulders go up and down, arms circle like windmills, wrists turn (1 min).
- Pack the pants and boots: bend knees, shake legs, draw circles with ankles; then walk around carrying the heavy suitcase in one hand, then the other (2 min).
- Close the suitcase: crouch down, hug it tight, count “one, two, three” and stand up ready for the trip (1 min).
Rules
- We pack each thing slowly, no rushing.
- Your suitcase is yours: we don't take a friend's.
- When we carry the suitcase, we look so we don't bump.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, pack only the cap, T-shirt and boots, and the teacher models every move.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, add gloves and a scarf (neck circles), and let a child choose what we pack next.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, each child suggests a piece of clothing and shows the group which body part packs it.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: children in wheelchairs pack upper-body clothes and carry the suitcase on their lap.
- Autism: keep pictures of the clothes in packing order on display and always use the same order.
- Visual impairment: the teacher names the body part and the child touches it before moving it; a partner holds hands while walking.
Learning goals
- Mobilize neck, shoulders, wrists, knees and ankles.
- Link pieces of clothing to body parts.
- Start the movement story calmly and attentively.
Teacher tip
Works as an opener for any travel story in this series. Exaggerate opening and closing the suitcase: those two moves mark the start and end of the warm-up.
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