Teddy's Trampoline

In pairs, children hold a towel by its corners and bounce a stuffed animal on it like a trampoline, first rocking it and then tossing it higher and higher. It works on coordinating movement with a partner, controlling force and catching with fabric.

How to play

1. In pairs, hold the towel by the corners and stretch it out tight; the teacher sets a teddy bear on top (2 min).
2. Rock the teddy like a cradle, side to side, slowly and without letting it fall (2 min).
3. Teddy takes little hops: raise and lower the towel together so it bounces a bit (3 min).
4. Champion jumps: count “One, two, three!” and on three, toss teddy high and catch it in the towel (2 min).
5. Teddy visits another pair: toss it with the towel to the pair next to you, who catch it with theirs (2 min).
6. Teddy is tired: rock it again and let it sleep on the floor, covered with the towel (1 min).

Rules

• Don't let go of your corner of the towel.
• Lift and lower together, counting together.
• Teddy flies up, not into anyone's face.
• If teddy falls, pick it up gently and keep going.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the partner gets down to the child's level and the child holds the towel from the wheelchair; a smaller towel can help.
• Less hand strength: tie a knot in each corner of the towel so it's easier to grip.
• Hearing impairment: the partner shows the count with nods or fingers.

Learning goals

• Coordinate movement with a partner.
• Adjust force to toss and catch.
• Take care of an object together.

Equipment for a class of 25

• towels or medium fabric pieces: 13
• stuffed animals: 13

Teacher tip

Medium, squishy stuffed animals work better than tiny ones, which go flying. Pair children of similar height so the towel stays level.

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