The Baker Carries Bread Across the Bridge

Children are bakers carrying loaves of bread (pool noodle pieces) across a bridge made from a low balance bench to the bakery shop on the other side. It builds balance on a raised, narrow surface while their hands are busy.

How to play

1. Set up the bench with mats on both sides; at one end is the oven with the loaves, at the other is the shop basket (2 min).
2. Cross the bridge empty-handed, with the teacher beside the bench (3 min).
3. Each baker picks up a loaf with both hands and crosses to put it in the basket (4 min).
4. Now carry the loaf in one hand, or on your shoulder like real bakers (3 min).
5. When the oven is empty, carry the loaves back across to the oven (2 min).
6. Count together how many loaves the bakery sold and give ourselves a round of applause (1 min).

Rules

• I step onto the bridge when the friend before me has stepped off.
• We don't throw the bread: we place it in the basket.
• If I fall off the bridge, I climb back on where I was and keep going.
• I step down from the bench, I don't jump.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility cross sitting astride the bench and scooting, with the loaf resting in front.
• Blind or low-vision students: the adult walks beside them with a hand on their shoulder and says how many steps are left.
• Children who are nervous about height first cross holding the adult's hand, then holding just one finger.

Learning goals

• Move along a raised, narrow surface while keeping balance.
• Keep their balance with busy hands while carrying an object.
• Work together on a shared group task.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Low balance bench: 1
• Floor mats: 4
• Pool noodles: 4
• Basket: 2

Teacher tip

Always stand at the middle of the bench, where kids tend to hesitate. Cut the pool noodles into pieces about 16 inches long so they don't poke anyone.

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