Return the Dinosaur Egg to Its Nest
A teamwork movement story: some dinosaur eggs got lost, and in pairs kids carefully carry them to the nest past a volcano, a swamp and a mountain. They practice cooperation, carrying together and matching their steps to a partner.
How to play
- Before class, set up the course: cones in a zigzag (volcanoes), mats (swamp) and hoops on the floor at the end (nests). Large balls wait at the start.
- Circle (2 min): 'Mama Dinosaur lost her eggs. We have to carry them to the nest without dropping them, because they're very delicate.' Kids pair up.
- First trip (4 min): each pair carries an egg held between their four hands. They weave around the volcanoes and cross the swamp walking slowly. They set the egg in a nest and walk back outside the course.
- Second trip (4 min): now they carry the egg between their two tummies or backs, walking sideways, no hands. If it falls, pick it up and keep going; no big deal.
- The dinosaur roars! (3 min): when you roar, all pairs stop and hug their egg to protect it. When you say 'It's okay, it's Mama,' they keep going.
- Ending (2 min): all eggs are in the nests. Pairs crouch around them and the babies hatch: they slowly rise up as little dinosaurs.
Rules
- The egg is always carried by two.
- Walk slowly and watch your partner.
- Go around the cones without knocking them over.
- If the egg falls, pick it up; no blaming.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, do only the first trip with hands on a short course.
Standard
Two trips: with hands and without hands.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, groups of three carry the egg between their shoulders.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: carry the egg on the lap while the partner pushes or walks beside the wheelchair.
- Autism: a set partner and a heads-up before the roar.
- More skilled kids carry the egg back to back; less skilled kids use hands.
Learning goals
- Work with a partner to carry an object.
- Match speed and direction to a partner.
- Get past simple obstacles carefully.
Equipment for a class of 25
- large balls: 10
- hoops: 10
- cones: 8
- mats: 4
Teacher tip
Use large, light balls; heavy ones frustrate them. Celebrate the eggs that arrive, not who's fastest.
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