The Balloon Basket Drops Sandbags
Three children inside a big hoop form the basket of a hot-air balloon traveling across the sky; to rise higher they have to drop sandbags and agree on how to move together. It builds coordinated group movement and shared decision-making.
How to play
- Each group of three stands inside a large hoop and holds it at waist height: that's the basket. Each traveler holds two beanbags (2 min).
- Light the balloon's burner by blowing upward: with each puff we rise onto tiptoes; when we stop blowing, heels come down (2 min).
- The balloon travels: the three walk together around the yard without letting go of the basket, turning and changing direction when the front traveler says so (3 min).
- Mountain ahead! To go higher we must drop weight: each group decides who drops a beanbag into a basket on the ground, and then everyone rises on tiptoes with arms up (3 min).
- The wind blows: the teacher calls “wind toward the tree,” “wind toward the fountain,” and the balloons drift there without bumping other balloons (2 min).
- Landing: stop blowing, the balloon sinks slowly, we crouch inside the hoop and set it down carefully (2 min).
Rules
- All three travelers stay inside the basket.
- Say it out loud before changing direction.
- Beanbags go into the basket on the ground, no throwing.
- Balloons don't crash: if one comes close, move away.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use balloons of two children or one child with the teacher, and no decisions: the teacher says who drops the bag.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use balloons of three that decide who drops weight.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, use balloons of four; each child is in charge of one direction (front, back, right, left), and the balloon only moves the way the child on that side says.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: place the hoop around the wheelchair and classmates walk alongside holding it.
- Autism: the child can ride with an adult in a balloon for two, with less contact and simpler directions.
- Visual impairment: the balloon has a guide partner in front who describes the path.
Learning goals
- Move as a group at the same pace.
- Make simple decisions with classmates.
- Combine breathing with lifting the body.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large hoops: 9
- Beanbags: 50
- Baskets: 4
Teacher tip
Make the groups yourself so no one is left out. The usual mistake is one child pulling the basket; if that happens, stop the balloon and have them count “one, two, three” before the first step.
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