The Bag of Invisible Things

Invisible objects come out of an empty cloth bag, and the class guesses them from how they're used: an umbrella, a spoon of hot soup, a toothbrush. It builds symbolic representation, clear gestures and imagination.

How to play

1. The teacher reaches into the bag, pulls out something invisible and uses it: opens an umbrella and walks in the rain; the kids guess what it is (2 min).
2. Three more things come out (a spoon with hot soup, a toothbrush, a heavy ball); each time someone guesses, we all use it together (3 min).
3. The bag goes around the circle: anyone who wants pulls out an object and uses it; the others guess and copy (4 min).
4. Everyone pulls out their own object at once and moves around the room using it; the teacher walks around guessing some (2 min).
5. We put the objects back in the bag one by one and tie it closed with a pretend knot (1 min).

Rules

• I show my object by using it, without saying its name.
• Everyone else watches and raises a hand to guess.
• If I don't want to pull anything out, I pass the bag.
• At the end, my object goes back in the bag.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: the child using the object adds a sound or a spoken clue (“It's for rain”).
• Limited mobility: chooses objects used with hands and face (comb, spoon, glasses), and the game is played seated.
• Autism: keep the real objects (a comb, a spoon) nearby to show when guessed, linking the gesture to the thing.

Learning goals

• Use gestures to show how everyday objects are used.
• Interpret classmates' gestures.
• Make up and choose an object to act out.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Cloth bag: 1

Teacher tip

The bag has to feel real: open it mysteriously and show the weight of what you pull out. Kids often make tiny gestures; ask “Show me big so the kids in the back can see!”

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