Penguin Belly Slides

Lying on their bellies on a sheet of cardboard, penguins slide across the ice pushing with their hands. Children practice moving on their bellies, build arm strength, and coordinate both sides.

How to play

1. We look at how penguins slide on their bellies and practice lying on the cardboard with our tummy in the middle (2 min).
2. We push with both hands at once, like paddling, across the ice rink (3 min).
3. Now hand over hand: one, then the other, like swimming penguins (3 min).
4. Let's go fishing: we go around the cones (icebergs) and back to the colony (4 min).
5. In pairs: one gently pushes the other's feet, then switch (2 min).
6. The penguins rest on the ice, slowly flapping their wings (1 min).

Rules

• My tummy always stays on the cardboard; I never stand on it.
• I push with my hands.
• I slide on the rink without bumping other penguins.
• When I push my partner, I do it gently.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: an adult gently pulls the cardboard with a rope, or the child paddles from their wheelchair with a soft broom handle on the floor.
• Blind or low vision: a straight rink along a wall, with a classmate calling from the end.
• Less arm strength: use a scooter board instead of cardboard; it glides more easily.

Learning goals

• Move on the belly by pushing with the arms.
• Coordinate both hands.
• Steer while sliding.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large cardboard sheets: 8
• Cones: 4

Teacher tip

Works best on smooth floors (gym, hallway). Cut the cardboard about the size of a child's torso and check for staples.

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