Puff-Up Paper Bags

Each child blows up their own paper bag, the teacher tapes it shut, and then they play with it: toss it, catch it, balance it, and pass it. It builds strong, steady blowing and hand-eye coordination with something they made themselves.

How to play

1. Each child writes or draws their mark on a paper bag; the teacher shows how to hold the bag's opening around the lips without squeezing (2 min).
2. They puff up the bag with several long breaths, breathing in through the nose between each one; the teacher closes each bag with a bit of tape (3 min).
3. Free play with the bag: toss it up and catch it, tap it with a hand or knee, carry it on their head (3 min).
4. In pairs, they pass the bags: one at a time, then both at once (3 min).
5. The bag gets tired: the teacher removes the tape and each child slowly squeezes it flat against their tummy while letting out air with "sss" (1 min).

Rules

• I only blow into my own bag with my mark.
• Between puffs, I breathe in through my nose.
• I don't squash or pop my bag on purpose.
• I play in my own space without bumping.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child plays seated with the bag on their lap, tossing and catching or passing to a friend.
• Visual impairment: put a large bell, firmly sealed, in the bag before blowing it up so they can hear it.
• Weaker blowing: use smaller bags (paper lunch bags).

Learning goals

• Blow strongly for a while.
• Toss and catch a light object.
• Enjoy playing with something they made.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Paper bags: 25
• Tape: 2
• Markers: 6

Teacher tip

Never plastic bags, always paper. Each child blows only into their own bag for hygiene, and if someone feels dizzy, they sit and breathe calmly; that's normal at first.

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